•

South Carolina i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

LIST OF FIGURES ii

LIST OF TABLES iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv

INTRODUCTION 1

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES. 3 Shrimp 7 Crab . . . . . 13 Shellfish. . . 15 Offshore Fish. 15 Coastal and Riverine Fish . 36

RECREATIONAL FINFISH FISHERIES. 40 Headboat Fishery . . 43 Charter boat Fishery. 51 Private Boat Fishery 63 Shore-based Fishery. 69 Length Composition . 72 ii

LIST OF FIGURES Page

1. Total weight of commercial marine fisheries products. 5 2. Production in 1997 expressed as percentages of the 15-year averages...... 5 3. Total ex-vessel value adjusted for inflation in 1997 dollars ...... 7 4 .. Weight and value composition of commercial landings 7 5. County distribution of landed value ...... 8 6. Annual commercial landings (heads-on) of shrimp. . 11 7. Annual value of shrimp landings...... 11 8. Number of trawler licenses and annual average vessel income ...... 11 9. Annual commercial landings of blue crab and number of crab pot licenses ...... 14 10. Annual value and unit price of blue crab. 14 11. Annual commercial production of oysters 16 12. Annual commercial production of clams . . 16 13. Annual commercial production of whelks. . 17 14. Annual commercial production of offshore fish 17 15. Landings of major offshore fish groups. . . . 19 16. Length distribution of wreckfish...... 19 17. Annual production of the snapper reel fishery 20 18. Annual commercial landings of groupers. . . . 20 19. Length distribution of commercially landed gag. 21 20. Average length of commercially landed gag. . . 21 21. Length distribution of commercially landed scamp. 22 22. Average length of commercially landed scamp. . . 22 23. Length distribution of commercially landed snowy grouper. 23 24. Average length of commercially landed snowy grouper . 23 25. Annual commercial landings of snappers ...... 24 26. Length distribution of commercially landed vermilion snapper ...... 25 27. Average length of commercially landed vermilion snapper 25 28. Length distribution of commercially landed red snapper. 27 29. Average length of commercially landed red snapper. . 27 30. Annual snapper reel landings of red porgy...... 28 31. Length distribution of commercially landed red porgy. 29 32. Average length of red porgy caught on snapper reels 29 33. Annual production of the bottom longline fishery. 30 34. Composition of bottom longline landings 30 35. Length distribution of golden tilefish 31 36. Average length of golden tilefish . . 31 37. Annual production of sharks...... 32 38. Annual commercial landings of sharks. . 32 39. Annual production of the pelagic longline fishery 33 40. Annual contribution of incidental landings to the pelagic longline fishery...... 34 41. Annual incidental species landings by the pelagic long- line fishery ...... 34 iii Page

42. Annual ex-vessel price of swordfish 35 43. Annual commercial production of king mackerel. • . . .. 37 44. Length distribution of commercially landed king mackerel. 38 45. Average length of commercially landed king mackerel 38 46. Annual production of the offshore trap fishery. . 39 47. Length distribution of trap-caught black sea bass. 39 48. Annual commercial production of coastal fish . . . 41 49. Annual commercial production of American shad. . . 41 50. Estimated participation in the recreational hook and line fishery (excluding headboat anglers) . . . 42 51. Estimated effort in the recreational hook and line fishery (excluding headboat trips). . . . 42 52. Reported effort in the headboat fishery. 46 53. Seasonal effort in the headboat fishery. 46 54. Reported landed weight of the headboat catch. 47 55. Division of black sea bass landings . . . . . 47 56. Reported headboat landings of red porgy. . . 49 57. Reported headboat landings of vermilion snapper 50 58. Division of vermilion snapper landings . . . . 50 59. Reported headboat landings of Mycteroperca groupers 52 60. Reported headboat landings of Epinephe1us groupers. 52 61. SC charterboat CPUE for king mackerel . . . . 61 62. SC charterboat CPUE for Spanish mackerel. . . . . 61 63. Effort in the private boat mode by residence. . . 64 64. Effort in the private boat mode by fishing zone 64 65. Private boat landings of inshore sportfish 66 66. Statewide CPUE for red drum by wave ... 67 67. Statewide CPUE for spotted seatrout by wave 67 68. statewide CPUE for flounder by wave ... 70 69. statewide CPUE for sheepshead by wave. . . 70 70. Statewide length distribution of red drum. 73 71. Length distribution of red drum by county. 73 72. Statewide length distribution of spotted seatrout . 74 73. Length distribution of spotted seatrout by county. 74 74. Statewide length distribution of southern flounder. 76 75. Length distribution of southern flounder by county. 76 76. Statewide length distribution of sheepshead 77 77. Length distribution of sheepshead by county. . . . 77

LIST OF TABLES Page

1. Production and ex-vessel value by county . . . . . 9 2. Estimated total catch by recreational hook and line anglers, excluding headboat catches ...... 44 3. Reported headboat catch (numbers of fish) and effort (angler-days) ...... 45 -

iv

Page

4. Charterboat participation and effort (angler-hours inland, boat-hours ocean) ...... 55 5. Directed charterboat effort for principal species . 57 6. Charterboat catch (numbers of fish) 58 7. Charter boat catches as estimated from the MRFSS vs those reported to the MRD . . . . 62 8. Private boat catch (in numbers of fish) 65 9. Shore-based catch (in numbers of fish) 71

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Robert Wiggers obtained fish measurements and trip interview data from commercial finfish landings. Nan Jenkins and Paige Wilkins collected data on shrimp and shellfish commercial landings. Bryan Stone, Billy Glenn, and Pam Roy conducted the state creel census of recreational anglers that generated catch per unit of effort and length data. Joanna Walling entered and edited charter boat data and provided clerical assistance. Joe Moran supervised data processing operations.

Commercial fisheries data collection was funded in part by a Cooperative Statistics Agreement with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or any of it sUbagencies. Recreational fisheries data were collected with funding support by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777-777K). The NMFS Laboratory at Beaufort, North Carolina provided data on the headboat fishery.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, handicap, or age. Direct all inquiries to the Office of Personnel, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. 1

INTRODUCTION

This report is a summary of significant events in South Carolina's marine fisheries during 1997. Its objectives are to 1) update and describe trends in the principal fisheries and 2) provide explanatory information relevant to important developments. The discussion is somewhat sUbjective in interpretive content, but represents consensus views of the supervisory staff of the management programs for the various fisheries. The presentation is directed at a general aUdience, makes some simplifications, and is not meant to be definitive in the scientific sense.

Publication of landings data for commercial fisheries began in 1957 and was based on a monthly reporting system established by the U.S. Fish and wildlife Service (USFWS). Distribution of information was in the form of monthly bulletins.

Forms were mailed to seafood dealers, on which they were asked to report their landings for that month. Reporting specialists compiled this information and submitted it to the USFWS office in Washington, D.C. The S.c. Division of commercial Fisheries also provided data. The specialists issued monthly narratives describing conditions and trends, the last in December, 1979.

The current series of annual reports prepared by the Marine Resources Division (MRD) began with an issue that reviewed trends and events for 1977-1986. Individual annual reports commenced with the 1987 issue. The context is similar to that of the USFWS monthly bulletins.

Data on commercial fisheries statistics were obtained through 1) mandatory monthly dealer reports, 2) mandatory shellfish harvest reports, 3) weekly shrimp tickets submitted voluntarily by dock operators, 4) trip tickets for offshore fishing boats submitted voluntarily by fish houses, and 5) reports provided by harvesters in special permit fisheries.

Annual fishing effort by gear type was usually estimated by dividing total landings compiled from all sources by the average catch per unit of effort (CPUE) calculated from tickets or harvest reports. The percentages of total landings so reported, and thus the accuracy of the overall effort estimates, varied considerably by gear type.

Commercial landings statistics applied to wild stock fisheries only. The mariculture industry experienced difficulties, but produced $2.9 M worth of product. In 1997, a virus again caused heavy mortalities at shrimp farms with their production only 175,000 pounds heads-off worth $971,000. The largest clam operation continued to have financial problems that affected production. -

2

Commercial landings data were sUbject to confidentiality if less than three sources provided information. Appreciable volumes were involved in some categories. If three or four dealers handled an item, but only one accounted for most of the volume, this information was also treated as confidential. Confidential data were included in the summaries of total landings.

Reliability of commercial landings data is subj ect; to the perception of under-reporting. state law restricts the use of this information to fishery management purposes only. It has been assumed that providers, particularly in a voluntary situation, have little incentive to submit falsified records. Verification was therefore seldom attempted, except where obvious anomalies were evident.

Health concerns dictated that shellfish landings were reported in detail and closely monitored. This information is considered to be very accurate. Most of the shrimp statistics were obtained from voluntary weekly tickets and were also considered quite reliable.

Federal reporting requirements have been implemented for most offshore finfish fisheries with the percentages of total landings accounted for by the MRD trip ticket system being much reduced as a result. This has made estimation of effort (based on ticket data) speculative for most of these fisheries.

Landings for 1997 in most product categories other than shrimp and shellfish were obtained primarily from monthly dealer reports. An increasing amount of the blue crab production has been channeled into the "basket trade" by individual fishermen and under-reporting is suspected. Upriver shad landings have been largely undocumented with the reported shad catches (mostly from dealers handling ocean and lower river fish) representing an unknown percentage of the total harvest. It was probable that incidental catches of (coastal) fish attributable to shrimp trawlers were under-reported. These customarily were part of the crews' compensation and were not handled by wholesale dealers.

The major source of recreational fishery data was the Marine Recreational Fishery statistics Survey (MRFSS), conducted for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) by a private contractor. This survey applied to hook and line fishing from shore or shore- based facilities, charterboats, and private boats (headboats were not included). The MRD purchased additional interviews from the contractor to augment the basic NMFS quota.

The MRD continued the State Finfish Survey independently of the MRFSS. Coverage was directed at private boat fishermen fishing inland (estuarine) waters. The principal objectives were to obtain length meaurements and CPUE data for important inshore sport fish such as red drum, spotted seatrout, and flounders. 3

state law required operators of piers, charterboats, and headboats to obtain permits and submit monthly reports of their fishing activities. Pier operators reported the numbers of anglers using their facilities each day on a monthly calendar. Charterboat captains completed logsheets for each fishing trip, listing the date, number of anglers, hours fished, and catch data.

Headboat operators were required by federal regulation to submit trip reports to the NMFS (their state obligation was met by providing copies to the MRD). Information elements were similar to those on the charterboat reports. The NMFS Beaufort Laboratory had the federal responsibility for processing these data. To avoid duplication of effort, the MRD relied on summary information provided by their staff.

No directed effort was made to monitor recreational shellfish gathering. Resul ts of a 1994 survey of buyers of the marine fishing stamp (required for shellfish harvest) indicated that rough estimates of recreational landings could be based on percentages of the commercial production. These are therefore noted under Commercial Fisheries in the Shellfish section.

A survey of holders of the marine recreational fisheries stamp was conducted during 1997 to obtain information on their crabbing acti vity. Resul ts permitted some rough estimates of statistics for recreational crabbing during July-October and they are contained in the discussion of the commercial blue crab fishery to facilitate comparison of utilization by each sector.

A survey of the shrimp baiting fishery has been conducted each year since 1987. Results of the 1997 survey are described in MRD Data Report Number 29. A brief summary is included with the discussion of the commercial shrimp fishery, again because of the emphasis on comparative harvests.

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES

Product categories were composed as follows. Shrimp landings included whole (heads-on) weights of all penaeid species (rock shrimp landings were negligible). Crab landings included live weight of blue crab and pounds of stone crab claws. Shellfish volumes were expressed as meat weights with other units (bushels of oysters and whelks, 250-count bags of clams) noted where appropriate.

Most fish landings were converted into round (whole) weights. Shark landings taken on offshore gear were categorized as "offshore" and those by inshore gear (almost entirely shrimp trawl) were designated "inshore." "Offshore fish" included wreckfish, king mackerel, oceanic pelagics (dolphin, wahoo, tunas), swordfish, and reef fish (e.g. groupers, snappers, sea bass, porgies, and tilefishes). "Coastal fish" consisted of mullet, inshore ground- =

4

fishes, e.g. spot, whiting (kingfish), and flounders. Riverine fish in 1997 were exclusively American shad, although in other years blueback herring have been included in this category.

Except where noted otherwise, all value figures refer to ex- vessel value, i.e., the amount paid to the harvester. For trend analyses, these have been adjusted by weighting factors based on the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI). All figures shown are expressed in 1997 dollars.

south Carolina is not a major producer of seafood. In 1996, the most recent year for which figures are available, the state ranked 20th in volume and value of overall production (inclUding mariculture) among the coastal states. Most of the landings were shipped out of state as raw or unprocessed product.

The state's seafood industry consists largely of harvesting with little processing to add value to the raw product. In FY 1996/1997, there were 257 licensed wholesale seafood dealers (the lowest since 1989). A detailed description of operating characteristics is contained in the 1994 report; there have been few changes since then.

Processing was largely limited to initial handling, such as shrimp heading, oyster shucking, crab picking, and fish filleting. An annual survey has been conducted to obtain approximate employment figures. The 1997 survey included the large wholesale dealers only. Many other operations were limited to the dealer himself and one or two part-time employees. Complete figures for 1997 were not available at the time this report was prepared, but probably were not sUbstantially different from those listed in MRD Data Report Number 26.

The number of commercial fishermen was unknown, but presumably was between 1,500 and 2,000. In order to legally land product, an individual had to possess either a Trawler Captain's license or a Land and Sell license (in 1997, the law was changed so that a Trawler Captain's license could only be used to sell trawl-caught product; a Land and Sell license was required for all other gears). In FY 1996/1997, there were 988 Trawler Captain and 590 Land and Sell licenses issued. Additional licenses were required for units of gear and/or participation in various fisheries; for example, 272 shellfish harvester and 428 crab pot licenses were sold. Since some persons obtained several of these gear licenses in addition to the land and sell or trawler's captain licenses, the totals were not additive. Crew in most fisheries were not required to have any type of license and could therefore not be documented.

Total landed weight from wild stocks was 17.129 M pounds (Fig. 1) . Although slightly below the 15-year average, this volume appreciably exceeded that in 1996 with increases in every category except shellfish (-31%) and riverine fish (-62%). Fig. 2 S 25.,----- _

20-r-_~

.; 15 ---'------,o ------/-- o .c. o ~ ~ 10 ------

51------1

0+---+-_-+-_-+-_-+-_-+- -+-_-+-_-+-_-+-_-+-_-+-_--+-_-+-_-< 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig 1. Total weight of commercial marine fisheries products.

120,------,

100 +------_

80 +---- _ c ~ eo +------_ a.•

40

20

o Coastal Fish Shellfish Riverine Fish Offshore Fish Blue Crab Shrimp Total

Fig. 2. Production in 1997 expressed as percentages of the 1S-year averages. 6 illustrates the status of the 1997 landings vs the 15-year averages. The state's two major inshore fisheries (shrimp and blue crab) both produced above-average landings.

Total landings were worth $29.72 M, 97% of the I5-year average (Fig. 3). Shrimp was the leading component in both volume and value (Fig. 4).

Charleston County was the leading producer with 48% ($15.59 M) of the total landed value, including mariculture (Fig. 5, Table 1) . The county led in shrimp landings with 1.80 M pounds heads-off of wild production worth $7.58 M. Total fish landings were 1.11 M pounds worth $1.96 M. Nearly all of the wreckfish and swordfish were landed here. Blue crab production (all categories) was 2.78 M pounds valued at $2.18 M. The county was the leading shellfish producer with $2.95 M in landed value (including mariculture). This included 37,208 bu. of oysters worth $471,000. Charleston County operations accounted for practically all of the state's mariculture production.

Beaufort County produced $9.27 M. The leading contributors were shrimp (1.44 M pounds heads-off worth $6.94 M) and blue crab (3.00 M pounds at $1.79 M). Although more crab was landed in Beaufort County, the unit value ($0.51jlb) was sUbstantially less than in Charleston County ($0.66jlb). Shellfish landings included 20,942 bushels of oysters ($250,000) and 5,366 bags (250-count) of clams ($136,000).

Georgetown County fishermen accounted for $5.47 M in landings with shrimp ($2.70 M) and fish ($2.36 M) the major components. Horry County harvesters contributed $0.99 M in landings, mostly of offshore fish.

SHRIMP

Penaeid shrimp landings were 6.62 M pounds heads-on worth $18.29 M. Above-average white shrimp catches compensated for the lowest brown shrimp harvest in a decade (Fig. 6).

A total of 887 trawler licenses was issued for FY 1996/1997, 12% more than in the previous year. The number of resident licences (558) increased slightly, while the number of nonresident licenses (329) was the largest in five years.

The winter was relatively mild with moderate quantities of white shrimp overwintering following closure of the trawling season on January 15. Based on the moderate abundance of roe white shrimp and adequate spawning, the trawling season in state waters opened on May 14. By-catch reduction devices (BRDs) were required in all trawls having head rope lengths exceeding 16 ft. 7 45,------,

40 ~ ..~ ~ ~-._ ._ _._ _ __ .. .. ------.- __ .._ _._._ _ •......

...... _.. .._~ __ .L...... _. .

\---/._------_._-_._._--

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10

5j------·------1

o . 1982 1983 198-4 1985 ·1986 1967 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 3. Total ex-vessel value adjusted for inflation in 1997 dollars.

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60-1------

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"e 40 +------;= o c • ~~ 30 +------j

20-1------,------1

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Coastal Fish Riverine Fish Shellfish Offshore Fish BlUE! Crab Shrimp

Fig. 4. Weight and value composition of commercial landings. 8

Others Horry 4% 3%

Beaufort Georgetown 28% 17%

Charleston 48%

Fig. 5. county distribution of landed value. 9

Table 1. Production and ex-vessel value by county (in thousands of pounds and dollars).

Fish county Shrimp Blue crab Shellfish Offshore Coastal Riverine

Volume

Beaufort 1,443 3,003 250 6 28 16 Charleston 1,963 2,776 520 921 87 99 Georgetown 797 396 23 1,352 14 143 Horry 2 8 < 1 606 160 90

Value

Beaufort 6,943 1,787 483 9 24 11 Charleston 8,484 2,180 2,950 1,835 62 66 Georgetown 2,697 303 107 2,240 5 118 Horry 8 5 < 1 884 37 60

Total volume Total value Charleston 6,371 15,591 Beaufort 4,750 9,265 Georgetown 2,726 5,472 Colleton 1,086 Horry 867 995 .Berkeley 133 Jasper 88 Others 34 10

Only 1.11 M pounds heads-on of brown shrimp were landed with an ex-vessel value of $2.72 M. A fairly cool spring may have con- tributed to low abundance, since summer weather conditions were not unusual. Brown shrimp comprised just 17% of the total shrimp landings, the lowest percentage contribution in over 20 years.

Based on the moderately abundant spawning stock, fall white shrimp landings were expected to be average or better. Growing conditions during the summer were nearly ideal. August was drier than normal, which tended to delay outmigration. Unlike in the previous two years, there were no significant storms to interrupt the fishery. Late season weather was unusually wet, but mild, and the season continued until January 5, 1998 north of Fripp Island and January 27 south of there. Total white shrimp landings in 1997 were 5.50 M pounds heads-on worth $15.53 M. Inflation- adjusted value was among the highest in recent years (Fig. 7). The average price for shrimp ($2.85/pound heads-on) was also among the best in ten years.

The number of trawler licenses (resident and nonresident) sold annually has been relatively stable for over a decade. Annual production (see Fig. 7) has trended upward slightly. Fig. 8 shows the trends in number of licenses and average vessel income, where average income has been calculated as total trawler-caught ex- vessel value in 1997 dollars divided by the number of licenses. The 1997 income figure was $20,189, compared to a 20-year average of $18,370. There has been no relationship between average income and number of licenses or average unit price. Average income has been most closely associated with total production (r = 0.77, 20df) , presumably a proxy of shrimp abundance. The obvious implication is that, from the individual vessel owner's perspective, the most important determinant of his success is abundance of shrimp, not its unit value or the number of competitors.

The channel net/trawl season in North Santee Bay and Winyah Bay was opened on September 22 and closed on November 30. Channel net landings were relatively good at 338,000 pounds heads-on worth $378,000, although the catch consisted mainly of small shrimp. Turtle excluder devices (TEDs) were required in Winyah Bay.

In the last decade, recreational baiting has developed into a major competitive factor in the fall white shrimp fishery. Permit sales increased 9.4% to a record 15,488. Participation (N= 48,544 individuals) exceeded the previous record set in 1995 by 16%. Good weather and abundance of shrimp were both contributing factors with both the percentage of active permit holders and average number of assistants/permit holder above average.

Total effort (N= 94,154 trips) also surpassed the previous record set in 1995. Except for the Charleston and Georgetown areas, the 1997 effort appreciably exceeded previous levels. Since 11 12,---- _

. 8 -e ,< o c, - .. - Brown " 6 --White <• --lr--Total ~

" 4 •,

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0 N g ~ ~ N M ~ ~ eo• ::: ~ :;; ::l ~ g ;;; ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ e ~ ~ g: ~ '" '" '" '" '" '" '" '" e '" Fig. 6. Annual commercial landings (heads-on) of shrimp.

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20

] 15 t--\-----,,-/----"- 7,-----1-,-"'-

~ \ I\ - .. - Brown ~ \ I\ r-./ --White -o--Tolal ~ \ 1\/ " 10 -.\-- -- -,_. v _ \ .r' \ • ,\ •. ' I . 5 _._L~~_I '.·_·_ ....-.----- . ~;;;. - -. \ I ' .... -- ~.. - ~.~ ... " ' .. ~--" . •

0 M ec . ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ;;; ~ ~• ~ ~ ~ ~ '" '" e '" '" '" '" '" '" '" '" e

Fig. 7. Annual value of shrimp landings. 12

35000

30000 1\ I\ I \ \ 25000 I \ 1\ ~ I I\ ~ \ "0 I J\ I "0 " .... 20000 \ \ r /-: I \ '" \ , \ / " -, / I ;S --Ucenses ~ A " \ { \. \ / - -Income >< \ ,/ ,J ~ { ~ 15000 \ " c~ ~ ~ { :3 J 10000 ".

5000

o +---+--!---+----i---;--+-+---+--i--__;_~-+___+_-i____;__+-+___+_-i___I o o ...... '" '"eo ... '" '" -e- <0 0> 0> '"0> 0> '" '" '"0>'" '" 0> '" '" '" '"~ ~ ~ '" '" '" '"

Fig. 8. Number of trawl licenses and annual average vessel income. 13

1993, the greatest increases in effort have occurred in Bulls Bay and the st. Helena Sound area.

Catch rates in all areas were good, setting a record in the Beaufort area. CPUEs were relatively high in the st. Helena Sound area and Bulls Bay as well. Shrimp in these areas were large. Those in the Charleston area were mixed, while shrimp in Winyah Bay were small. The estimated total catch (3.63 M pounds heads-on) slightly exceeded the previous record catch in 1995.

The recreational shrimp baiters' share of the total fall harvest was 43%. There has been no obvious trend in the relationship between the baiters' percentage and total landings. Environmental conditions appear to be the principal factor affecting the distribution of fall white shrimp landings with conditions in 1997 especially favorable to the baiters. statewide during the past five years, there has been roughly an even split during the baiting season of landings between baiters and commercial shrimpers.

CRAB

Total blue crab production was 6.268 M pounds with potters landing 6.117 M pounds of hard crab and 132,000 pounds of peeler/soft crab. Minor quantities were taken as incidental catch and in the winter trawl fishery. Total blue crab landings were slightly above average, while the number of crab pot licenses (N=428) leveled off (Fig. 9). Landed value of blue crab remained relatively high ($4.322 M), although the unit price of hard crab declined for the third consecutive year (Fig. 10).

In 1997, a survey of holders of the marine recreational fisheries stamp was conducted to obtain information on their crabbing activity. Recreational crabbing appeared to be most popular in the southern area with progressively lower participation to the north. The estimated number of crabbers with stamps was about 20,000. This group made about 133,500 trips during July- October, landing approximately 857,000 pounds of blue crab. This equalled 31% of the commercial landings during the same period.

The blue crab laws were changed in 1997 in several ways. The most significant provisions dealt with licensing and fees for residents vs nonresidents. Buoy and boat marking requirements were also revised and restrictions imposed on hauling of pots and possession of crabs at night. After November 15, 1997, commercial pots used during the period June 1 through March 14 were required to have escape rings to facilitate release of crab < 5 inches. A Louisiana study in the late 1980's had demonstrated that traps so equipped caught 80% fewer undersized crab with no significant change in the catch of legal crab. 14 8,---- -,

Fig. 9. Annual commercial landings of blue crab and number of crab pot licenses. 0.8.,------,

0.7 --_ ..- .. -.-- ..--- - .. _. .__. _. __ .. .__ . ,_"' .. _ » / ...... /\ / ....<, ¥ 0.6 ---_ ..._.__.__ . .. -.__....._._.-.._---/""._._._._._-_._- \_ .._._-_ ..._-_.._j..._._----_ ...._----_.- s c, /Y ~• I \_....-... ~ 0.5 ----·--···---·----··--··f··------···-·- ";; / --..... / ~ .... o .....- .. E 0.4 e ";; "tI 0.3 -----.--.- .....--- ...----.--- -.--.__...... _...... _ __._. ._._._. ..__.._._.._...._. ;; • ~ " 0.2 ..------0.1

Fig. 10. Annual value and unit price of blue crab. 15

SHELLFISH

Landings data are for calendar year 1997. Most production came from culture permit areas. In late fall, heavy rains caused numerous closures for health safety reasons.

Oyster production was a record low 62,721 bushels valued at $0.771 M (Fig. 11). Most of the harvest consisted of intertidal "cluster" oysters retailed locally. Recreational harvest was estimated at roughly 40% of the commercial landings, based on 1994 survey results. Early in the year, rapid growth of oysters since the previous fall was reported along the entire coast. Shortly prior to opening of the fall season, however, large-scale mortalities of primarily larger oysters occurred, particularly south of Charleston. No cause was identified.

Clam production was 24,774 bags (250-count) worth $0.689 M (Fig. 12). Escalator landings were relatively low and the hand harvest was the lowest in nearly 20 years. unit price was essentially unchanged with littlenecks in the 11-12 cents apiece range. Recreational landings were estimated at approximately 30% of the hand harvest as indicated in 1994 survey findings.

The whelk trawling season was opened on January 16 and closed on March 31. Both the unusually early closure and its issuance on short notice, due to turtle sightings, were unpopular with the industry. There were 88 permits issued. Total harvest in the directed fishery was 15,631 bushels. The annual catch was valued at $193,000 (Fig. 13).

Annual whelk landings have fluctuated greatly in the last 20 years in a boom/bust cycle. Given the slow growth and essentially nonmigratory (in latitUde) characteristics of the resource, it should be feasible to stabilize its long-term yield (and perhaps increase it modestly) with a controlled seasonal schedule. The 20- year average annual yield was 262,800 pounds of meats, equivalent to 13,140 bushels of whole product. Seasons could be set so as to produce this yield, based on weekly reports of landings. The number of permits issued could also be determined based on this benchmark and allocated according to historical participation. Most of the permit holders usually do not fish and this procedure could help stabilize revenue projections for those participants traditionally dependent on this resource.

OFFSHORE FISH

Production (2.916 M pounds worth $5.037 M) increased slightly, ending a long, gradual decline (Fig. 14). Pelagics and groupers were the largest components and the only groups to account for >10% of both volume and value (Fig. 15). Aggregate reef fish (mainly groupers, snappers, porgies, sea bass, and tilefishes) landings were 1.724 M pounds worth $2.876 M. 16 2.5,------,

2 -~-- -.- "c----~------..-~..-.------__ . . or'" \

:g~ / ,£ / ""' -, ~ 1.5 -7"--"-"'-- .------....=------'\ -e: "/\ ... --+--Meat weight " V\/" ---.--Value ~ \ /"' '._-- "0~ ·~---V·-·~·-···--·• -'~- ~ , " 0.5 j------'c-----.------.------

0 N ;l ~ ~ :g ~ ~ 0 N M ~ ~ ~ ec ~ ec ec ~ eo ~= ec ~:;; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~= ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fig. II. Annual commercial production of oysters.

2.5,------,

2 --7- ~L ~.-.--.-~-~..-...-...-.-~----. '--- \ /\ ~ \ I \ "0 \ /\ ;; 1.51-----;\.-----/.----.-\ ------

~ \ /---,1 \ --- Meat weight g \/ '" --Value ~ II' -, "--"c 7' /'\ \__ /~ ~ \ r './ \ " \ /' \ "' 0.5 ~-~ ~ ..... ~ 0 --- N M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~= ~ ~ :;; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~= ~ ~ =~ ~ = =~ ~= ~ e ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ e ~

Fig. 12. Annual commercial production of clams. 17

800 ,------~

..e ~"0 ~ •e -e• c , --+-- Meat weight 0 400 e, --Value 0 -e ·e 300 A ,• .._--/~-_. 0 ...s: r'" ), 200 ...... L "- f 100 \------,7""..-- -...... -<'------,/ " 0 - N ~ ~ ~ ~ ec ~ 0 N M ~ ~ ~ ~ ee ec ~ ec ~ ~ ;;; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ :e :e :e e e e :e :e :e e :e :e e e

Fig. 13. Annual commercial production of whelks.

10,- --, ,

,/~ 9 ... -\ __ ..

\ ./ ... -, 8 .-_\ . ,-=.--;-". ,. . _ \ '\ e 7 .---',...\--~---f..------\ ~ '\ f \ ..-'" ! 6 \ 1 .)r. ~_ ... -,---. § 5j--- \.';-__~/I- ...... "'__.--.... o~ '- <, / ....- • 4 --. .. c ~ " 3 .-- ..--···-----7. c- . ._~="""'.--.-.. 2 .. --._~ . ., .._. ._.. ._-_ .•._-----_ ...._--

0 N M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N ~ ~ ~ s~ ~ ~ ~ ;;; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ :e e :e ~ :e 1:l :e :e :e :e :e :e :e

Fig. 14. Annual commercial production of offshore fish. 18

The principal contributor was the handline fishery. Its two components were 1) a deepwater reel fishery for wreckfish and 2) a snapper reel fishery directed at reef species.

Wreckfish landings (confidential) continued a steep downward trend and comprised only 23% of the state's peak catch landed in 1990. The fishery was closed from January 15-April 15 to protect spawning stocks. Length distribution (Fig. 16) was similar to that in prior years with the average size (97.8 cm) essentially unchanged in the last three years.

The snapper reel fishery historically has been the largest offshore fishery in terms of landings and participation. Landings (1.622 M pounds valued at $2.802 M) reversed the decline evident in recent years (Fig. 17).

Aggregate grouper landings were 518,000 pounds, the lowest in ten years. Value was $1.240 M. Groupers accounted for 30% of the total volume of reef fish. The leading contributors were gag (186,000 pounds) and scamp (143,000 pounds), both landed almost entirely by snapper reel. Gag landings declined appreciably to the lowest level on record, while scamp landings remained nearly constant (Fig. 18).

Length distribution of gag is shown in Fig. 19. Although the relative scarcity of large (>90 em) fish (Le., mature males) continued to be cause for concern about potential "recruitment overfishing, the average length (79.8 cm) continued to increase (Fig. 20), as did the contribution of fish >90 cm. In 1997, 18.7% of the fish measured exceeded 90 cm. In contrast, however, 58.4% of the gag sampled in 1977 were >90 cm.

The length distribution of scamp (Fig. 21) was heavily skewed toward smaller fish. The average length was 53.7 cm fork length and comparable to that in recent years (Fig. 22).

The regional snowy grouper quota of 344,508 pounds was projected by the NMFS to be attained in mid-December with the trip limit lowered from 2,500 pounds to 300 pounds for the last ten days of the year. South Carolina landings (117,000 pounds) improved considerably and represented 34% of the quota. Length distribution (Fig. 23) was dominated by small fish with an average size of 53.1 em (Fig. 24).

Snapper landings (Fig. 25) showed mixed trends. The vermilion snapper catch (240,000 pounds worth $561,000) increased after three years of decline. Most of the sampled vermilion snapper were close to the 30 cm (12 in) minimum size limit (Fig. 26) and there was little change in the average length (36.0 cm, Fig. 27).

Red snapper landings (14,000 pounds) were the lowest recorded, but consisted of large fish (Fig. 28). In years of high 19 '0,--- _

25 j----- _

20

:;; 2 '0 15 "• c,"•

10

5+--- 1'

o Porgies SharKs Tilefish Sea bass Wreckfish Snappers Groupers Pelagics

Fig. 15. Landings of major offshore fish groups.

70

'0

50

~'0 '0" ~;; E 0 z '0

20

10

0 ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N N ~ 12 ~ ~ :;; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 N ~ ~ ~ 0 v ~ ~ ~ e 0 Total length in" em "" "

Fig. 16. Length distribution of wreckfish. 20

j\ / \ / ~ 3.5 ..---- ·····-··---.------\7--\---.---.------.--.---.- j \

3 -- ..-.-.-.- ...-.-----.-.-- ..---. --=-:=.{--_ ------.-\---A------...-- e j \/ , .s ;; J ~ ~2.5 -e -~- J------..---.- •c -c• ", j c 0 2 4---··------...;---1- • · 0~ ... - '0 c 1.5 ...;;;:-_.... ~· ._------_. ------_._---- ....-."" :i! ---- ""-:::::::-7'- '------.--.-- ...----.--

0.5 j--_. _

0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ;\ ee :g 0 N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ::~ ~ ;;; ~ ~ ~• ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fig. 17. Annual production of the snapper reel fishery.

450 ,-- -,- ---,

350 ··----·-·------A ?\------_. --_ ...----

300 -e• •. c o ~ 250 -~.-'-----~,.----- '0 ~Gag ~ ~, -r-e-r-scemc : 200 j--;.------a.!-..Lc. _.~,__...~,------'6, ~ Snowy ~ / \ ~ : \ 150 j~-_----' • 'ii.=-~=-:::-:-..... _ -=--,,;;;--- 100 0. 50 ---- ..__ ~ ...... ~ A •.._. ~ .4' .....__ .

Fig. 18. Annual commercial landings of groupers. 21

120,-- ---,

80

s: ~• '0 ~. .0 E 0 Z

40

20

0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ v .~ t' t: t: ~ ~ <; 0 ~ ~ s s ee s ~ s ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ec ;; 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ s~ ~ s ec ec s s s " " ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~s ~ '> '";;; '" '" '" " '" '" Total length in em " " '" '"" '" '" '" Fig. 19. Length distribution of commercially landed gag.

100

90

.0

70

E .0 " ~-= ;;, 50 ..~ "0 I- 40

30

20

10

0 :; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ :;; 0 N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ • • ~ ~ ~ ~ ;; ~ g: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fig. 20. Average length of commercially landed gag. 22

160

140

120

100 s: ~" 0 80 ~~ E 0 :z 60

40

20

Fork length in em

Fig. 21. Length distribution of commercially landed scamp.

70 r------_

60

50 g .0 ~E 0. ] 30 ~""0

20

10

0 M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ M ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ::; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fig. 22. Average length of commercially landed scamp. 23

120,------,

100

80 "..~ ~. 80 E ~

40

20

0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ g 0 v ;a ;a t= t: t: i1 ~ ~ ~ ~ a ~ so ~ ~ -e- ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 ., h ~ -e- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~s ~ ~ s S ee ~ ~ " " '" ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ec " " Total length in em "

Fig. 23. Length distribution of commercially landed snowy grouper.

80,------, _

70

60

50 E u

s:-= '@ 40 ...e ~ 30

20

10

0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ :g ~ :g ~ 0 ;; N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ m ~ g: ~ :;: ~ :" :" :" :" e :" ~ :" :" ~ ~

Fig. 24. Average length of commercially landed snowy grouper. 24

500,.------__

400

350 ~ "C ~e 300 0 0- '0 -e-e-e-vermmcn ~ 250 "C..e ----Red ~ 0 s: >-

150 .-..- -.--.--.------.-----.------.. _

100 .------__._--- .._. .. - /--..... / ...... 50 ----""::" -:-"--... -....--. ------:...:o..L------~ -;;;;;::::--T------...."';;::::------~~-~ , ~ o L--+--+----t--+---+--+----t--+---+--+--~-_+_-_i_____;---J N .., o N eo ec ec C> C> a> C> C> C> C> "' ~ '" a>'" C> ~a>

Fig. 25. Annual commercial landings of snappers. 25

400,-- ---,

JSO

300

250

150

100

50

a

Total length In em

Fig. 26. Length distribution of commercially landed vermilion snapper.

40,-- ---,

35

30

E 25 c ."= ..~ 20 -0 I- 15

10

a N ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ec : :;; ~ N ~ ~ W N ~ ~::: ~ ~ ~ ~ ec ~ C; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fig. 27. Average length of commercially landed vermilion snapper. 26 production, much of the catch has been composed of new recruitment, fish just over the legal minimum size (now 50 em). Average length was 67.2 em, the largest on record, and reflected the continued absence of significant recent recruitment (Fig. 29).

Total porgy landings were 123,000 pounds valued at $172,000 with most of the catch consisting of snapper reel landings of red porgy. After a lengthy decline, snapper reel landings of red porgy continued to improve slightly (Fig. 30). Both length distribution (Fig. 31) and average size (36.0 em, Fig. 32) of red porgy remained essentially unchanged.

Bottom longline production increased moderately to 455,000 pounds worth $580,000 (Fig. 33). Value has reflected species composition with overall value tending to be lower in those years with large landings of sharks (Fig. 34). In 1997, the shark component was the lowest in a decade, due largely to quota-related restrictions. Landings of black-bellied rosefish (86,000 pounds), a species largely discarded until a few years ago, nearly doubled. Landings of golden tilefish (136,000 pounds) also nearly doubled those in the previous year, but continued to consist mainly of small fish (Fig. 35). The average length (57.2 em) remained small by historical standards (Fig. 36). Snowy grouper landings (82,000 pounds) were triple the 1996 catch.

Total shark landings were 203,000 pounds worth $165,000 (Fig. 37). For most of the last ten years, the bottom longline fishery has been the principal source of shark landings, particularly after the ban on the directed inshore gill net fishery after 1994 (Fig. 38). The bottom longline fishery targets the large coastal group (e.g. sandbar and dusky sharks), managed under regional quotas since 1993, when the fishery was closed for 1.5 months. Closures have increased in duration as quotas have been filled more quickly. In 1997, the fishery for large coastals was open for only four months with a reduced quota.

The pelagic longline fishery landed 696,000 pounds of product worth $1.464 M in 1997, continuing the modest upward trend of the past few years (Fig. 39). Although swordfish (303,000 pounds and $980,000) have remained the preferred target by virtue of their high unit value, the percentage contribution of other species has been steadily increasing (Fig. 40). In 1997, the non-swordfish component of the catch accounted for 57% of the volume and 33% of the landed value.

The major components of this bycatch are dolphin, sharks, and tunas (mainly yellowfin). Landings of dolphin and sharks have increased sharply in recent years (Fig. 41), while yellowfin tuna landings have not. The declining unit value of swordfish (Fig. 42), due largely to ready availability of imported product, has also increased the ]_ncentive for domestic fishermen to land other species. Their "incidental" status has therefore become 27

14 r------__

12

10

2

o

Total length in em

Fig. 28. Length distribution of commercially landed red snapper.

70,------,

60 t------==- _

s0t----

20

10

o

1984 1985 1986 1967 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 29. Average length of commercially landed red snapper. 28

350..------,

300

250

� -e e 5 200 Q. '0 � -e .." ~ 150 o ...s:

100- - -

50 _-

0+----+---+---+-~>---+---+--_+_-_+--_+_-+_-__+_-_+_-_+-____i-___1 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 30. Annual snapper reel landings of red porgy. 29

250,-- ---,

150 ~ '0" ~. E 0 z 100

50

o

Total length in em

Fig. 31. Length distribution of commercial.ly landed red porgy.

45,- -- __ ---,

40

35

30

15

10

5

0 N ~ ~ ~ N ec ~ ~ :g 0 N ~ ~ :g ~ ~ ~ N ~ 0 ~ ~ ;;; ~ e ~ 0 0 :; 0 g: ~ ~ ~ 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~

Fig. 32. Average length of red porgy caught on snapper reels. 30

1.' ,------,

1.2

..e ~"0 -e ;; 0.8 .- -e• ,e o e, Cl 0.6 c• s~

0.2i---·------

o -!-. -__+_-~-_+_-!____+-_+_--+--_+_-!___+-__+_-_+_-+_~

Fig. 33. Annual production of the bottom longline fishery.

'00

800

700

'00 -e. e &. soo '0 • Other -e. ~ ~, .00 - 0 s: >- 300 l.- I--

200I- :- I-- - I--- l- I-- I---"

100I- - l- I-- I-

r- ~ I I .1 Lr 0 L, J

Fig. 34. composition of bottom longline landings. 31

100

90

80

70

s:. 60 "0" ~. 50 ,E z 40

30

20

10

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ g v ;;; N ~ ;:; a N 'S t= t: t: t: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ s s N ~ s ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ 1l N s " " ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ;e ec ec ~ ecs eos • " Fot1clength in em

Fig. 35. Length distribution of golden tilefish.

80

70 -

60 - r- r-- r-r-' r-- r--

50 t- r- t-r- f----- E t- r-- t-r- r- t- t- t-r- r-- c nf ~E '040 f- e ---1-1--I- t--- t- - t-r- t--- '-- ., r-- t- r-- ""o u, 30 - r- r-- f----II-- I-- - t--- r- I-- - '-- t-

20 r-- r- r-- f----- t----- r-- r-- I-- - f----- I-- r-- r-- 10 r-- t--- t- t--- f- I-- r-- r-- r-- f----- t----- r-- r-

o '---+- '-+- '---+- '-+- '---+- '-;- '-+- 4- LL L- '-+- Ll

Fig. 36. Average length of golden tilefish. 32 600,--- -. ---,

500

'0 , - 'I -e• :e / \ '< g 200 ..--...... -- L ._'-- -l.- \--. __ __..__. f' 1\/ J/ \/ \---, r : 100 ./-._-_._._ ..~,,-j---_ ...._-_..._~-_ ...__. --...... <, ,...... <> 'Ii 0 N ~ • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N ~ ~ ~ ec ec ec :g ~ ~ ~ ;;; ~ ~ ~• ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e

Fig. 37. Annual production of sharks.

450

400

350

300 • -e, 0" 0. 250 '0 o Inshore . CBLL -e ,:" 200 .PLL ...~0 150 100 ~- r 50 f-- f-- 1f- ,f- - 'f-

iT\" h. -J; 0 J noll • II I, \1 lir L rli N r !Illl ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N ~ ec •~ ~ :g ~ eo :l ~ ;;; ~ • ~ ~ ~ 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fig. 38. Annual commercial landings of sharks. BLL - bottom longline PLL- pelagic longline 33

6.,------,

s··········J" _ . / \ V\ ~ 4 ._'1.. __ - ....•- -.-- - - ..------..---- ...•....-•.---- -.---.-.--- •..- . :g \ ." ; \ • "-'-Weight § 3----·-··\-·-···--····-·-··----.--"'-.-..:.- ..- -.-.---.- ..-.------.--. ---Value 2. .. / -, ~ ~" / ~ § 2 ...__ '\ L"'::,_ ....= ._ ~ \' , \ / "- "m .... -&-- / " ...-- -e - , -_ _..•.__._--\.,,---_._----_._--. ---../ .•..._--_._--_ .._- ... - 0 N .., <0 N .., -e- ~ .... eo 0 ...... eo ec 0; 0> 0> 0> '" 0> eo '" '" 0> 0> 0> '" 0> '" e '"e '"~ 0> '"~ '"~e '" ~ ~'" ~ ~ ~'" ~ e '"~

Fig. 39. Annual production of the pelagic longline fishery. 34 60,----- _

so

40

C ~• 30 CI Weight I c,• OValue

20

10

o

Fig. 40. Annual contribution of incidental landings to the pelagic longline fishery.

250,------,

200 ..---.-.-. . _ I. I

-e• § 150 o e, .. -Dolphin -e• ----Tunas • - ,&, - Sharks g" 100 ~

Fig. 41. Annual incidental species landings by the pelagic longline fishery. 35

6,------,

5 . . _-_. __ - __ ._..-._ _ __ _- _ _ -

4 ...... _-_..-_._ .•...... _-_.__ .______.._ - _ .._._-_ _ .

-e C "o ~ 3 _._._._.._-._ ._._._ .._._.___ _ ....__ ..._-_ ...__._-_ ...__ .._ .._._-_ .._---_._-----_._ ..------_ .._-_ . .!!1 <; c

2···················_······-··-· _._ __ _ _.. .._.__ _ ...... • _ _.._._._ _ ...... •...... _ ....•_ _..__ _ .•._ .

1-·-··-··················-·-·····.· _ _ _._ ._..•...._._._ __ ._..__ _ .. _ .. _ .._._ ...•_..__ .

O+---+---+--f----;---+--_;_--+--+-- _ _+_--t--~--+-- _ _+_-_;_---l 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 42. Annual ex-vessel price of swordfish. 36 conjectural. The major industry group (Blue Water Fishermen's Association) has acknowledged the importance of the "bycatch" in terms of overall landed value. With the continuing decline in swordfish abundance, this fishery has evolved from one directed at a single species with associated incidental landings into a mUltispecies targeted fishery.

Swordfish are fished at night and the accompanying shark catches have always been considerable. Previously, these were largely discarded, due to handling problems, low value, and space constraints. Growing demand for fins and quota fulfillments for the large coastal group appear to have produced a higher retention rate of pelagic sharks.

Dolphin landings have been relatively high since 1994 in other fisheries besides the pelagic longline fishery. Longliners maintain that dolphin have been much more abundant in their customary fishing areas and that they therefore have had higher incidental landings. Concurrent success in other fisheries tends to support this assertion. There also appears to have been more effort directed at dolphin inshore of the swordfish grounds.

Commercial king mackerel landings have declined steadily since 1991 with the 1997 catch (61,000 pounds worth $85,000). the lowest since 1978 (Fig. 43). The length distribution is shown in Fig. 44. Average length has been variable, but has increased in recent years (Fig. 45). In 1997, it was 88.7 cm, the largest reported in many years. The landings decline off South Carolina in recent years reflects the trend in regional abundance, which last peaked in the early 1990's, although the stock is not considered to be overexploited by the NMFS.

The offshore trap fishery was directed at black sea bass. Landings (142,000 pounds valued at $188,000) improved slightly, but remained below average (Fig. 46). The trend in trap landings of black sea bass has paralleled that of overall trap production, although appreciable quantities of other reef species were also landed during 1990-1991 before directed fishing for them with trap gear was prohibited.

The total catch of black sea bass was 166,000 pounds ($230,000). Length distribution of trap-caught sea bass is shown in Fig. 47. The contribution of small «0.75 pound) fish was about average at 49% (of graded landings by weight). The average size of fish taken with all types of gear was 30.3 cm. Although state law increased the minimum size limit from 8 in to 10 in total length in mid-year, this had a negligible impact on commercial landings, since most of the trap catch was made prior to its imposition.

COASTAL AND RIVERINE FISH

Most coastal species have low unit value. The 1997 catch was 37

600.------,

500 ...... -- 1'; - - - . I "- I '\ ~ f \ :g 400 __ -...... ······--.....•...... -..•.7 _\-.~.- ~_ _ . -e ~ I\ • ~ ~ ~ 300.._ _.- ~--_._...... ? __. \ -.....-Weight ~ / \ --Value {J <, / \ ~ '" ~ \ ~ 200 - ~ __ _._._ .. __ Jr•.::::~~ ~._._._. __ ••..• _.\_~_ .. . ~ ~ / .... "/ \, " ...... - ..... -- 100...... _-_ ..______.._ ..__ ._ _ ..~._-_ ..-.::::::::::~=,..,.... .

O.J-~+--~+--~;---;---;----..._-+~--r_-+_-+-_-+-_-+-_-+-_-+---I., 0> o ~ >- ., ec 0> 0> en ~ 0> 0> '"~ '"

Fig. 43. Annual commercial production of king mackerel. 38

50.,------__ ------,

'0

35

~ 30 • "1; ~:; 25 E, z 20

15

10

5

0 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 0 ~:;; ~ :;; ~ ~ 0 0 0 0 ~ v t: t: :; § N ~ ~ s 0 i'i S ~ s N ~ <0 ~ Z; N s :a ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ r- r-, ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ <0 <0 '" '" 0 • " " s" ~ s Fork length in em

Fig. 44. Length distribution of commercially landed king mackerel.

'0

sa

86

84

§ 82 E ~ 0, 80 ~ -1' 0 u, 78

76

"

72

70 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 45. Average length of commercially landed king mackerel. 39

900,------,

800 .--.-.-.--..-._--..-..--- -..--- /1______._.._ _ _ / \ 700 ..--.-.-.---.--.----..----.---.-.-..---.-.--.__._...L__. ..1....__ ..__.. . __.__ / \ ] "0 600 .------.....-....-...----.- L I ..__. _ -e -e I\ c• ~• 500 ,c \/----\ ~0 \ '0 400 ...-\-----.-.---- . L_I -e" ,~ \ " ,I II 0 300 ··--··Il------...... :::.::- -_ .....- ....~ -, / -,,_.... ,A ._"",, t. .... __ . ""-,__L -.:::---_ -.../ 0" ' ...../

'00 ------_._------

0 N M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ m 0 N M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ec ~ ee ~ ec m ;; m m m m m m e ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ e

Fig. 46. Annual production of the offshore trap fishery.

100

'0

80

70

.. 60 '0" ~. 50 ,E z 40

30

20

10

0

0 0 N M ~ ~ m 0 N M NN ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ m 0 N N NN NNN~ NN M ;;; M MMMM ~ :;; ~ M ~ :; ~ ,. :: ~ " Totallength In em

Fig. 47. Length distribution of trap-caught black sea bass. 40 304,000 pounds worth $126,000, among the lowest on record (Fig. 48) . Mandatory use of BRDs probably reduced the shrimp trawl landings. Mullet (102,000 pounds), spot (87,000 pounds), and kingfish (74,000 pounds) were the principal contributors. The 1997 riverine fish landings (343,000 pounds valued at $256,000) consisted entirely of American shad. Production declined sharply after a dramatic increase in 1996 (Fig. 49).

RECREATIONAL FINFISH FISHERIES Total participation (excluding headboat fishermen) was estimated by the NMFS at 529,505 fishermen. Out of state residents (308,434) comprised 58%, coastal residents (150,108) represented 28%, and noncoastal residents (70,963) accounted for 14%.

The trends in total participation and that by coastal residents are shown in Fig. 50. The estimated number of coastal resident anglers was the highest since that in 1990. During the previous six years, participation by coastal residents ranged from 91,000-146,000 anglers. The 1997 estimate represents a 20% increase over the average of 125,000. During 1990-96, the annual percentage contribution of coastal residents was 22-26%, compared to 28% in 1997. The sales (to fishermen) of marine recreational fisheries stamps, purchased largely by coastal residents, are compared below with the NMFS estimates of coastal participants (in thousands of units).

Year 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 stamps sold 81 87 90 90 87 94 Participants 124 131 146 91 111 150 The average ratio of stamps:participants during the previous five years was 1:1.39, compared to 1:1.60 in 1997. The increase in 1997 coastal participants was 35% compared to 8% in stamps.

Total effort was estimated at 1,583,698 angler-trips by the NMFS, distributed by residence classification and two-month interval (wave) as follows: Wave Residence 2 3 4 5 6 Total Coastal 83,089 196,214 258,311 176,095 133,654 847,363 Noncoastal 11,436 62,436 67,656 37,192 21,330 200,049 Out of state 38,483 176,158 193,120 88,327 40,198 536,286 All 133,008 434,808 519,087 301,614 195,182 1,583,698 The trends in overall effort and that by coastal residents are shown in Fig. 51. Total effort in 1997 was slightly above the ten- year average, while effort by coastal residents was 3% below it. No increase in effort proportional to that indicated in participation was evident. 41

1.2 r------,

~ Q -e "e • "§ 0.6 --J'\----L--\-;f~ ------.---"' ...""\---- o ~ / \ 1\1 \ o • rI 'I " rI \ "o / \ § 0.4 " \A \ / '\ 0.2 ------._----_":-....~ ------;;-.....~---~. ',../ '.-- a . N ~ G 0 ec ee• ~ ~ ~ :g N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ eo ~ G ;;; G G •G G :g G e ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Fig. 48. Annual commercial production of coastal fish.

600 '- --,

e • ~ 400 " "" • " ;" 300 e, o • ":; g 200 ~ >-

100 - . . . ._~_. .. _

a N ~ ~ D D D .D ~ G D N s D D D ~ ~ G ;;; G G G. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e G ~ G G G e ~ ~ e e ~ e ~ ~

Fig. 49. Annual commercial production of American shad. 42

700

~ 500 ._.... 0. c <;• I-Total '" 400 ~ --tlI - Coastal ~ ~~ ..... 300

Fig. 50. Estimated participation in the recreational hook and line fishery (excluding headboat anglers).

2000,------,,- ---,

1800

1600 _/ 1~ 1- '------\-----

1400

400 .. --.- --- ..-. . .. ._ __._._.._.._ __. ._.__ _. __.. .._.. .._ _._ .

200

0 v ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ g ;;; N ~ V ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ g: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~:;; '" '" '" '" e '" '" '" '" Fig. 51. Estimated effort in the recreational hook and line fishery (excluding headboat trips) . 43

Table 2 lists the total estimated catches by species/group with those from the previous five years included for comparison. Comments regarding particular species are included in the mode sections. As usual, there are many anomalies that appear to be attributable largely to sampling errors, such as misidentification of released or discarded (therefore unverified) fish.

HEADBOAT FISHERY

The NMFS classified 19 vessels as headboats during 1997. Under the new classification system, any vessel licensed for more than six passengers was designated as a headboat. six former charterboats were reclassified as headboats. Most of the reclassified boats did not operate on a regular basis or target reef fish as did the "true" headboats.

Three boats operated from Little River. One formerly fishing from Little River relocated to Calabash, North Carolina. Four ran out of Murrells Inlet. six boats were located in the Charleston area and five fished from Hilton Head. None of the boats south of Charleston routinely fished offshore for reef fish and several limited their operations largely to state waters.

Effort and catch data are summarized in Table 3. Total effort was 60,150 angler-days, a modest improvement from the near-record low level of the previous year (Fig. 52). An angler-day represented the effort of one angler for one full day, usually 10- 12 hours, including travel time. While part of the increase was attributable to the addition of boats, the major factor appeared to be the improved summer weather in 1997 (Fig. 53).

Total landings (539,456 fish weighing 634,241 lbs), while comparable to those in recent years, were relatively low by long- term historical standards (Fig. 54). All headboat catch data refer to fish retained with released or discarded fish not included. Species composition has remained similar during the last four years. Vermilion snapper contributed 30% of the landed weight, black sea bass 14%, and groupers (principally gag and scamp) 12%. No other species or group accounted for >10%.

Landings of black sea bass, formerly the mainstay of the fishery, have declined almost continuously since the late 1970's with the 1997 catch little improved (Fig. 55). Part of the decline has been attributable to the reduction in inshore effort with headboat operators complaining of poor fishing year after year. Some have blamed commercial trap fishermen for the depressed inshore fishery. There is little direct competition, because the trap fishermen fish mainly during the colder months when there is little or no headboat activity. Historically, the headboat landings generally exceeded trap catches by a considerable margin and it has been only recently that the catch shares have been 44

Table 2. Estimated total catch by recreational hook and line anglers, excluding headboat catches. Source: NMFS MRFSS.

Group/species 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Oceanic pelagics Dolphin 5,139 35,023 6,932 6,582 16,178 16,903 Wahoo 1,653 4,005 1,947 509 799 1,562 Yellowfin tuna 3,170 14,039 5,573 0 541 784 Other tunas 573 607 2,235 4,649 546 1,644 Reef fish Blk. sea bass 382,386 417,339 601,796 616,938 206,145 616,262 Other sea bass 4,475 3,042 20,740 47,244 12,928 105,506 Gag 9,395 19,567 1,411 6,446 6,451 4,262 Scamp 3,086 0 4,074 0 5,399 Other groupers 979 1,264 °0 0 1,622 12,191 Red snapper 0 4,496 702 0 1,052 34,550 Vermilion sn. 22,710 3,483 2,161 19,376 16,300 35,465 Other snapper 0 0 11,460 12,164 Red porgy 46,720 6,360° 8,422 53,206° 45,831 3,238 Other porgies 9,486 2,522 2,779 0 7,887 22,617 White grunt 3,284 13,487 19,883 3,613 8,032 21,082 other grunts 8,656 45,381 21,684 25,461 31,730 13,899 Triggerfish 5,356 5,853 2,409 2,825 5,460 28,154 Spottail pin. 40,557 7,003 225,021 32,575 14,744 73,989 Spadefish 24,515 27,935 5,777 6,060 39,286 73,120 Amberjack 1,851 5,784 6,543 509 3,462 10,694 Coastal pelagics King mackerel 220,111 56,141 73,693 58,644 62,296 99,067 Spanish mack. 78,061 108,587 321,046 39,837 215,886 160,842 Bluefish 49,252 136,799 258,395 371,685 137,462 282,485 Crevalle jack 3,381 4,250 8,647 3,541 21,293 8,365 Barracuda 9,489 8,571 18,373 5,961 14,570 34,633 Cobia 5,285 3,193 1,382 4,841 4,506 Bonito/tunny 6,732 1,491° 3,632 20,936 6,761 18,282 Inshore sportfish Red drum 158,803 265,513 454,221 597,566 305,775 301,189 S. seatrout 297,844 314,246 360,493 442,284 245,872 198,443 Weakfish 28,099 7,627 46,858 32,013 5,516 4,904 Flounders 69,714 133,121 252,817 215,416 163,033 236,509 Sheepshead 380,196 78,153 126,517 126,818 172,202 52,051 Tarpon 5,287 690 Inshore bottomfish ° ° ° ° Kingfish 237,154 171,041 281,108 489,033 355,855 851,074 spot 1,470 K 1,568 K 1,651 K 1,197 K 1,617 K 916,364 Croaker 100,780 49,649 330,033 182,055 99,417 252,073 Black drum 13,600 18,511 14,290 31,765 29,798 49,358 Sharks Blacktip 3,606 276 1,935 7,127 56,331 51,776 Sharpnose 26,215 11,560 58,703 44,001 41,608 11,022 other 129,408 175,206 305,247 215,366 257,878 335,854 45

Table 3. Reported headboat catch (numbers of fish) and effort (angler-days). "Other" includes numerous minor species. Source: NMFS Beaufort Lab.

Category JAN-MAY JUN-AUG SEP-DEC

Red porgy 8,818 11,255 Other porgies 4,462 4,497 13,266 5,121 White grunt 3,913 9,984 4,310 Other grunts 11,011 27,649 11,409 Red snapper 139 57 361 Vermilion snapper 54,409 121,331 Other snappers 42,595 63 734 57 "E" grouper 1,403 3,786 966 grouper "M" 3,689 6,304 1,632 Triggerfish 5,551 16,165 10,867 Sea basses 45,859 68,459 18,532 King mackerel 132 1,256 1,103 Sharks 714 2,115 636 Other 4,275 8,023 2,548 Angler-days 12,329 37,288 10,533 46 BOOoor------.~------_,

~• • ~ 40000 --_._._._ _-_ _---~-----_._---_. __ ._--._-----_._---_._._._ _----_ . C, «c

20000 .--.-- ..-- ..------_._. ---

10000

a 4-. ---+----.--+--~-_+_--.--+__+__-+__-+__-_-+___--;--_: 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 52. Reported effort in the headboat fishery.

16000

14000

12000

10000 ~• • 01995 :1 8000 [J 1996 C,• c .1997 -c

6000

4000

2000

a JAN-MAY JUN JUl AUG SEP·DEC

Fig. 53. Seasonal effort in the headboat fishery. 47

1000000 r------__---,

900000

800000

600000 ._---_._ _._--- _._-_ .._--_._-_._---

-e• 3 500000 .------.- ..--- ..-.--.------...--- .. .. _ .. o --_. __ ._---_ _- Q.

400000 ..------._.__ . . .__.__.__ ._..

300000 -----~ .. ------_._._ .._.-._------

200000 -

100000 ---_. _

Fig. 54. Reported landed weight of the headboat catch.

450.-- ,

400 .... 350 _ ...... "-....------;~'\.--- ...... \ 300 -\ ... _ \ -e• ,c \ g, 250 --- ._--\--_._------c -e• \ ,: 200 --\ ,~:___----- e ....s: ...... I----=-.i-----~- -, 100 -- __ ...... " ...... _r- 50 .------_ .. ._...__... .__. .. .__ ._.__ .__ . ._. . .__ . _

a

~ ~ ~ rn 0 N :;: ~• ~ ~ ~ rn 0; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ :; rn rn rn• rn rn rn ~ ~ ~ ~ rn ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fig. 55. Division of black sea bass landings. 48

reversed (Fig. 55). The annual overall recreational catch (including landings bycharterboat fishermen and private boat anglers) has nearly always been appreciably greater than the commercial harvest.

state legislation increased the minimum size limit of black sea bass to 10 in total length (from 8 in) at the start of the peak summer season in 1997. with the smaller limit, the inshore release rate was typically 40-50% and the offshore rate <10%. Release rates by area (as reported on headboat logbook forms) were as follows.

Area Jul-Dec 1996 Jan-Jun 1997 Jul-Dec 1997 Hilton Head 58% 61% 72% Charleston 27% 20% 28% Murrells Inlet 33% 22% 50% Little River 19% 16% 45% statewide 29% 22% 46% The July-December 1997 catch at Hilton Head was made entirely inshore. About 70% of the Charleston catch was from inshore areas. In Murrells Inlet, 73% was from inshore, while at Little River the figure was 67%. statewide, 73% of the July-December 1997 catch came from inshore, where the impact of the increased size limit presumably would have been most noticeable.

Several Little River captains complained about the new size limit, claiming it significantly reduced their retainable catches. It appears that the change in release rates (from 19% to 45%) resulted in almost a one-third decrease in the Little River retainable catch after July 1997. Estimated decreases by area were as follows: Area %(-) change Hilton Head 33 Charleston 2 Murrells Inlet 26 Little River 32 statewide 22 Landings of red porgy also remained near the lowest level recorded to date (Fig. 56). This species represented 5% of the total landings by weight in 1997, compared to 30% twenty years ago. Average size (1.27 lb/fish) remained little changed over the last five years.

Landings of vermilion snapper continued the long-term upward trend and reached a record high (Fig. 57). captains of several boats consistently reported limit catches (10 fish/angler) with many additional fish released. The average size (0.86 lb/fish) was the largest since 1985. In recent years, headboat landings have approached the commercial catch (with the headboat anglers allowed to retain smaller fish, 10 in vs 12 in). Combined landings have fluctuated widely with no apparent directional trend (Fig. 58). 49

180000,- --,

160000 ...... • _ _ ..- _._-_ .._ - _ _ __ .._.-.--.- ..- _ _-._ .

140000

120000-----·---...... •...... _ .._ - __ _.__ .- ______- _._ _._--_ ..__ __._--_.- - s: ~ 100000 .._-_ - --- ..- -- ..-..------.-- -.-. . _ __ _ ..__._. __ _.M._ __ _. __ . .__.__ ._ . ~ .c• § 80000 ---- __. __.__, =_«__.._. .___.__.__.. .._.__._.. . __.__.__. ._,.____._ Z

20000---·---_·------__. . ' . .__. .__...... _

0+---+---+---+---+---+-----+--+----+---+---+-_-+-_-+-_---+ __ !-----1 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 -1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 56. Reported headboat landings of red porgy. 50 250000,-- _

.;; 150000 .--.-- .__ .._._. , . .._.__ ._ _.. . ._. ._.. ._ ~ <; ~• =E z 100000

50000 j----_

o L_-+-_-+-_-+-_-+-_+--_+--_+--_+--+--_--;_--;_-+_-+-_-+-_~ 1982 19S3 1984 1985 1986 1987 19S8 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 57. Reported headboat landings of vermilion snapper.

600 r------;;------,

500 --- 1

.400 -e c ~= - \ - Commercial ~ 300 i---:-..-"-,,----/ - •• Heaoboat ~ ---e- Combined o \ ~ \ 200 -----\ /- ..... -./

100

Fig. 58. Division of vermilion snapper landings. 51

Grouper landings of Mycteroperca spp. have been quite variable in recent years (Fig. 59). Scamp have comprised most of the Mycteroperca catch in the last few years, contributing to the relatively low individual weight (5.33 lbs in 1997). Captains reported releasing many undersized scamp.

The Epinephelus catch has been somewhat more consistent, but relatively low (Fig. 60). The 1997 landings consisted of small fish (mainly red and rock hinds and little snowies) with an average weight of only 1.80 lbs, the lowest on record.

CHARTERBOAT FISHERY

During the calendar year, permits were issued to 193 vessels (excluding those designated as headboats by the NMFS). All were licensed for six passengers or less. The NMFS designated all boats carrying more than six passengers as headboats.

A total of 158 boats reported making at least one trip (including guest trips). The number of boats active in each quarter is shown below. Active vessels Quarter 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 January-March 27 29 42 52 62 April-June 98 121 119 135 131 July-September 110 130 125 134 138 October-December 87 89 104 111 98

The steady increase in winter (January-March) participation continued, primarily attributable to small boats targeting red drum in inland areas.

Fleet distribution by boat length and homeport location was as follows. Length (ft) Counties <20 20-26 27-31 32-40 >40 Total Beaufort/Colleton 9 22 6 13 2 52 Charleston 23 12 13 14 26 88 Georgetown 5 5 2 9 5 26 Horry o o 6 15 6 27 Total 37 39 27 51 39 193

Compared to 1996, fleet size was unchanged in Charleston County with declines of one to three vessels in each of the other areas.

The numbers of boats fishing in various fishing areas are shown below. The figures are not additive, because many boats fished in more than one area. Except for a decline in boats fishing the offshore artificial reefs, there have not been substantial changes in this distribution during the last few years. 52 90000 ,------,

70000 ---- __ ._-_ __ -

60000

30000

20000 .----- ..-- ..------__ ~ .... 10000 ------;;;...... ~-~-..----!!--.-_~-.L ~a;:;;.----...... " y.-. a N ~ ~ ~ ~ ee ~ 0 N ~ ~ ~ ~ eo ec ee ~ s ~ ec ~ ~;; ~ ~ ~ ~ g: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ e ~ e

Fig. 59. Reported headboat landings of Mycteroperca groupers.

70000 ,------,

60000 -- -11------~-----~------~-

50000 ._- - --~--~~------

-e• c ~ 40000 _. ------,------1 s: c• "0 Z 30000 ,E z

20000

10000

a N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ee ~ s ~ ~ ~;; ~ g: ~ ~ :Ii ~ e ~ ~ ~ 0 ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e~ e

Fig. 60. Reported headboat landings of Epinephelus groupers. 53

Fishing area ,- Ocean <3 mi. Ocean >3 mi. Year Inland natural manmade natural manmade 1993 39 58 19 113 47 1994 55 71 17 126 59 1995 65 63 18 114 53 1996 70 74 19 122 54 1997 63 76 20 116 41

The total number of anglers was 23,603, slightly less than reported in 1996. Seasonal distribution is shown below.

Number of anglers Year Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/June Jul/Aug sep/oct NOV/Dec 1993 94 1437 6600 10348 3826 642 1994 106 2326 7606 10999 4199 939 1995 174 2901 7561 8891 3650 851 1996 327 2264 8485 8854 3151 835 1997 254 2004 7184 9436 3671 1054

Better weather during the second half of the year than in 1995/1996 presumably contributed to the higher 1997 count.

Charter captains reported making 6,222 boat trips (including a small number of guest trips), distributed by season and fishing area as follows. During the last five years, the number of boat trips on inland waters has steadily increased with variable trends in other fishing zones. The numbers of trips to offshore artificial reefs have been relatively low during the last three years. Boat trips Area Jan/Mar Apr/Jun Ju1/Sep Oct/Dec Total Inland 211 481 652 500 1844 .Ocean <3 mi. natural 35 378 680 64 1157 manmade 22 22 21 9 74 total 57 400 701 73 1231 Ocean >3 mi. natural 62 1074 1426 246 2808 manmade 25 143 146 25 339 total 87 1217 1572 271 3147 Total 355 2098 2925 844 6222

Distribution of boat trips by vessel length categories and homeport locations was as follows. Homeport and/or length were Boat trips <20 20-26 27-31 32-40 >40 Total Beaufort/Colleton 275 1471 295 940 19 3000 Charleston 771 260 226 132 421 1810 Georgetown 59 158 65 185 177 644 Horry o o 272 349 131 752 All 1105 1889 858 1606 748 6206 54

unknown for 16 trips. In terms of annual effort by individual vessels, the distribution was as indicated below. About 59% of

Number of trips/year o 1-25 26-49 50-74 75-99 100-125 >125 Number of boats 34 86 23 18 18 9 5 Percent 18 45 12 9 9 5 2 the operators reported making <25 trips during the year. Fifty boats, about one-quarter of the number permitted, reportedly made at least 50 trips in 1997.

The reported number of charter boat anglers declined for the third consecutive year. The number of anglers reported by boat captains was equivalent to the number of angler trips estimated by the NMFS MRFSS. As noted for.all years since mandatory reporting began, the number of angler trips reported to the MRD was a great deal less than estimated from the MRFSS:

Estimated angler trips by wave Source 1 2 3 4 5 6 All MRFSS 12,802 38,446 29,431 28,730 13,011 122,421 MRD 254° 2,004 7,184 9,436 3,671 1,054 23,603 Table 4 summarizes the distribution of annual effort by fishing area, method, and target species. Trends in directed effort for major groups or species are indicated in Table 5.

Inland effort for red drum, after several years of rapid expansion, appeared to be leveling off. Overall effort for tarpon has been rather stable in the last four years. Part of the apparent decline in inland effort for sharks reflected the redesignation of some larger vessels as headboats.

Sharks and mackerels were the principal targets of inshore ocean charterboat anglers, although a substantial portion of the overall effort was diversified among many species/groups, according to seasonal availability. Part of the apparent decline in effort targeted at sharks was attributable to the NMFS vessel reclassification. Inshore ocean effort for both Spanish and king mackerel continued a steady expansion. To some extent, the increasing level of inshore effort for Spanish mackerel has been offset by corresponding declines in offshore effort. As a result, there has been no pronounced increase in overall effort directed at this species.

Inshore ocean effort directed at king mackerel has also increased steadily, while offshore effort has remained relatively stable during the last three years. Directed offshore trolling for other species, e.g. billfishes, dolphin, etc. has fluctuated with no obvious trend. Bottomfishing effort has remained fairly stable. 55

Table 4. Charterboat participation and effort (angler-hours inland, boat-hours ocean). Source: MRD logbooks.

Area Method Target species Boat trips Anglers Hours

Inland Any Red drum 1070 2170 8910 Spotted seatrout 147 333 1468 Sharks 135 443 1394 Tarpon 135 320 1691 Cobia 47 100 458 Spanish mackerel 20 39 180 Crevalle jack 16 28 114 Flounder 12 23 145 Sheepshead 8 26 71 Bluefish 8 24 72 Black drum 6 16 64 Weakfish 3 5 24 spot 2 6 33 Striped bass 2 4 12 Kingfish 1 5 10 Any 232 823 2405 Total 1844 4365 17051

Ocean, Troll Spanish mackerel 227 1004 765 0-3 mi. King mackerel 191 677 726 natural Red drum 1 1 1 Any 6 33 22 Total 425 1715 1514

Non-troll Sharks 402 1734 1392 Tarpon 37 107 156 Red drum 18 57 70 Black sea bass 11 49 35 Flounder 11 30 45 Sheepshead 6 20 21 Cobia 6 13 26 Bluefish 5 17 16 Spotted seatrout 3 5 12 Black drum 3 8 15 Kingfish 1 6 4 King mackerel 1 6 3 Spanish mackerel 1 1 4 Crevalle jack 1 1 3 Any 226 823 817 Total 732 2877 2619

Ocean, Troll Spanish mackerel 7 30 31 0-3 mi. King mackerel 6 20 31 manmade Total 13 50 62 56

Area Method Target species Boat trips Anglers Hours Non-troll Sheep shead 27 114 82 Red drum 3 12 11 Sharks 2 8 6 Black sea bass 2 7 6 Black drum 1 2 3 Bluefish 1 2 3 Flounder 1 2 3 Any 24 60 89 Total 61 207 203 ocean, Troll King mackerel 1118 4938 5005 > 3 mi. Spanish mackerel 195 893 522 natural Dolphin/wahoo/tuna 152 740 928 Billfish 76 363 532 Any 388 1981 2834 Total 1929 8915 9821

Non-troll Black sea bass 117 520 467 Sharks 105 503 356 Grouper 86 403 429 Sheep shead 36 161 94 Tarpon 20 85 61 Cobia 16 60 56 Red drum 10 44 41 Spadefish 1 4 5 Any 488 2'294 2325 Total 879 4074 3834

Ocean, Troll King mackerel 150 662 735 > 3 mi. Spanish mackerel 68 279 195 manmade Bluefish 4 10 16 Barracuda 2 8 10 Cobia 1 4 6 Any 1 2 8 Total 226 965 970

Non-troll Sheep shead 39 136 122 Sharks 8 42 20 Black sea bass 7 27 26 Grouper 7 27 31 Spadefish 7 34 26 Cobia 3 10 21 Red drum 3 8 12 Tarpon 1 3 6 Any 38 148 179 Total 113 435 443 57

Table 5. Directed charterboat effort for principal species. Source: MRD logbooks.

Target group 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Inland angler hours Red drum 1359 2918 6934 9122 8910 Spotted seatrout 1509 1302 1426 1004 1468 Sharks 2403 2987 1033 1236 1394 Tarpon 923 1185 1537 1596 1691 Ocean 0-3 mi. boat-hours Sharks 1095 1885 2263 1636 1398 Spanish mackerel 316 436 464 772 800 King mackerel 73 248 316 480 729 Tarpon 28 661 384 325 156 Red drum 127 230 260 179 82 Sheep shead 66 259 162 339 103 Ocean >3 mi. boat-hours King mackerel 4149 6047 5454 5363 5740 Spanish mackerel 931 1336 746 921 717 Dolphin/wahoo/tunas 1029 1272 749 546 928 Billfish 516 323 400 586 532 Reef fish 973 1091 749 1057 953 Sharks 222 249 330 305 376 58

Landings data reported to the MRD are summarized in Table 6. Based on these data, the following comments apply to the indicated major species groupings. oceanic pelagics The peak season for this group is April through June. Landings of dolphin, the most numerous speo i.es , continued the strong showing of recent years and annual CPUE (1.16 fish/boat- hour) was well above average. The wahoo catch was also relatively good. In contrast, the billfish catch (mainly sailfish) was well below average and yellowfin tuna landings continued to decline sharply.

Reef fish Landings of most major species were below the average levels of recent years. It should be noted that the charterboat catch of this complex is small compared to the headboat landings.

Coastal pelagics After the spring fishery for oceanic pelagics tapers off, the offshore fleet shifts its directed effort mainly to king mackerel. Barring unusually stormy weather, such as occurred in the previous year, the king mackerel catch peaks in July. The 1997 July catch was the best in five years and landings remained well above average through October. Peak seasonal CPUE (Fig. 61) was the highest since 1992 and the annual catch was the best since 1993. The directed fishery for Spanish mackerel occurs in both coastal and offshore ocean waters and peaks during July and August. The catch was the largest in five years with above-average monthly CPUEs during most of the season (Fig. 62).

Inshore sportfish Red drum was the most sought after species. It attracted appreciable directed effort throughout the year and was the principal species sought by charterboat anglers during the winter. Effort and catches usually are greatest during October and November. Annual catch and effort were slightly less than in 1996. The spotted seatrout catch was above average, following a mild winter. The tarpon catch remained practically the same as in the two previous years with nearly the same CPUE since 1994.

Sharks Catches of sharpnose were the largest in five years, while those of blacktip a~d the unclassified group were slightly below average. In April, the daily bag limits were changed to two sharpnose per angler and two large coastal sharks per boat.

Landings estimated by the NMFS are compared in Table 7. As in previous years, there are enormous differences between the MRD figures and MRFSS estimates for several important species, e.g. dolphin, black sea bass and several other reef species, king and Spanish mackerels, red drum, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead. 59

Table 6. Charterboat catch (numbers of fish). Source: MRD logbooks.

Group/species Retained Released Inland 0-3 mL >3 mi. oceanic pelagics Dolphin 5103 282 1 5330 Wahoo 505 19 524 Yellowfin tuna 261 7 268 Blackfin tuna 103 2 105 Skipjack tuna 1 1 Bonito 23 23 Blue marlin 4 12 16 White marlin 11 11 Sailfish 1 32 33 Reef fish Black sea bass 16380 8894 44 1491 23739 Gag 1153 342 9 1486 Scamp 475 714 1189 Red grouper 15 32 47 Snowy grouper 42 6 48 Speckled hind 32 3 35 Red snapper 44 37 81 Vermilion snapper 3810 1167 4977 Snapper, unc. 27 27 54 Red porgy 2623 245 2868 Whitebone porgy 306 18 1 323 Porgy, unc. 312 52 5 359 White grunt 3316 230 10 15 3541 Grunt, unc. 977 546 12 29 1482 Triggerfish 1433 176 1608 spottail pinfish 1045 1189 76 2158 Spadefish 252 180 5 11 416 Hogfish 1 1 Amberjacks 161 214 5 7 363 Coastal pelagics King mackerel 6270 907 37 631 6509 Spanish mackerel 9265 3158 574 5207 6509 Bluefish 848 2077 740 1198 987 Crevalle jack 61 1474 318 378 839 Blue runner 27 119 10 68 68 Banded rudderfish 43 43 Barracuda 110 1321 5 1426 Cobia 86 130 81 43 92 Little tunny 166 496 26 636 Inshore sportfish Red drum 810 6302 6714 294 104 Spotted seatrout 1479 2425 3758 120 25 Weakfish 197 317 262 201 51 Flounders 208 363 428 121 22 Sheep shead 597 518 172 284 669 Tarpon 5 177 93 53 35 60

Group/species Retained Released Inland 0-3 mi. > 3 mi. striped bass 7 7 Inshore bottomfish Kingfish 394 444 498 331 9 spot 297 55 347 5 Croaker 78 59 34 103 Black drum 176 161 195 81 61 Sharks Shark, unc. 455 2477 887 1233 857 Blacktip 314 1801 681 958 474 Sharpnose 888 2655 844 1927 772 Other Rays 68 47 17 4 Catfishes 67 46 21 Toadfish 1 1 Pinfish 1 127 127 1 Pigfish 31 11 20 Unclassified 80 1001 784 198 107 61 3,-- _

2.5 .. --~_.._-_ - ---_._._- ..__ _- _._ ..

2

0.5 ----Itiifil----.--

0 0 c 0 0 ~ c 0 0 0 o 0 5 , ~ , , ts ~ , ts 0 tr 0 0 0 o 0 0 -c 0 -e. ~ , ~ , , ~ , , c'; -c 0 c'; -c ~ 0 0"• -c 0 • -s 0 ~ 5 , '- -> '- ;. :[ s, J' c, -c 0 c'; < ~ 0 0• -c ~ 0 • 1- ." ""- ;. ;. '- -;; " ;. , c. s, -> '- ;. -> " s, -c " 0 0 "- , '- • ~ 0 i ." "- "' ." "- ;. • ~

s

0 ~ 0 0 0 ~ ~ ." 0 ~ 0 0 0 Q ~ , , , , ." , ~ ~ , ." ~ ~ 0 ." ~ • -'i

Fig. 62. SC charterbot CPUE for Spanish mackerel. 62

Table 7. Charterbo •.t catches as estimated from the MRFSS vs those reported to the MRD.

Total number Pounds landed Group/species MRFSS MRD MRFSS MRD Oceanic pelaqics Dolphin 16,480 5,385 171,883 68,868 Wahoo 1,562 524 30,594 14,651 Yellowfin tuna 784 268 17,496 10,184 Other tunas 1,644 106 13,245 1,900 Bonito 12,339 23 5,639 0 Marlins 0 27 0 1,519 Sailfish 373 33 0 50 Reef fish Black sea bass 97,609 25,274 30,855 16,365 Gag 488 1,495 0 11,535 Scamp 5,399 1,189 25,748 3,129 Other groupers 10,389 130 3,708 487 Red snapper 34,550 81 52,309 405 Vermilion snapper 30,429 4,977 15,763 4,565 Other snappers 6,346 54 7,730 104 Red porgy 324 2,868 399 4,696 Other porgies 1,977 688 2,265 1,015 White grunt 11,172 3,546 16,416 5,006 Other grunts 6,286 1,523 0 1,491 Triggerfish 28,154 1,609 73,312 2,517 Spottai1 pinfish 2,263 2,234 1,288 692 Amberjacks 4,392 375 27,825 3,809 Coastal pe1aqics King mackerel 62,497 7,177 587,376 73,414 Spanish mackerel 34,201 12,423 6,173 15,120 Bluefish 15,110 2,925 5,961 1,390 Crevalle jack 2,905 1,535 0 402 Barracudas 22,157 1,431 2,735 1,734 Cobia 761 216 19,877 2,539 Little tunny 1,530 662 11,318 1,275 Inshore sportfish Red drum 33,011 7,112 23,201 2,985 Spotted seatrout 18,520 3,904 7,171 2,564 Flounders 1,964 571 607 477 Sheep shead 11,366 1,115 28,054 2,531 Tarpon 690 182 0 315 Inshore bottomfish Kingfish 739 838 0 416 spot and croaker 0 489 0 222 Black drum 416 337 562 769 Sharks Blacktip 5,380 2,115 0 12,536 Sharp nose 5,996 3,543 0 7,286 Other sharks 8,208 2,932 4,395 10,148 63

PRIVATE BOAT FISHERY

The NMFS estimated effort (in angler trips) as follows:

Wave Residence 2 3 .. 5 6 All Coastal 49,884 100,075 159,113 117,939 96,995 524,006 Noncoastal 3,946 24,825 27,713 18,010 13,587 88,081 Out of state 9,582 23,273 34,403 24,692 17,361 109,311 Total 63,412 148,173 221,229 160,642 127,943 721,398

The trend in annual statewide effort (Fig. 63) has closely paralleled that of coastal resident anglers with considerable fluctuation and no unidirectional trend in the last decade. Both total effort and that by coastal residents was about 6% below the average for the previous ten years. Most of the private boat effort is expended inland. Fig. 64 illustrates the trends in effort for inland and ocean offshore fishing areas. Inland effort was the lowest since 1983. Offshore effort remained comparable to that in recent years.

Catches as estimated by the NMFS from MRFSS data are listed in Table 8. These estimates were typical of those generated from the MRFSS in that they were vulnerable to large sampling errors for many species, due to low frequencies of intercepted catches and highly variable numbers of fish in them. Misidentifications and confusion over common names contributed to unreliability, particularly where a large percentage of total catch of a species was reported released. The correct identity of such fish obviously could not be verified. These figures must therefore be regarded as speculative for most species.

The catch data are probably the most reliable for the principal inshore sportfish targeted and taken by private boat anglers, i.e., red drum, spotted seatrout, and flounders. Catch rates (CPUE) were based on trips during which the species was either the designated target or at least one such fish was caught. CPUEs are in numbers of fish caught per angler (equivalent to an angler-trip). It is important to note that CPUE includes released fish, whereas the landings do not. The CPUE data are considered to be the best index of overall abundance.

Trends in private boat landings (fish retained or discarded) are shown in Fig. 65. Of the three groups, red drum are generally considered to be in the best shape. Private boat landings of this species have been nearly constant for almost a decade. CPUE for red drum, shown in Fig. 66, has been trending upward during the last five years (the 1996 and 1997 figures were based on data from the state Finfish Survey only, since state participation in the MRFSS field survey was terminated at the end of wave 2 in 1996). ------

64

1000,-- :- _

800

700 ------1\------A------~· \ / \ / \ 600 ..--- ..... C,• -----;:r----\------/-- -\:..-.:;;---~-- c• 15 500 1 L -_J '\. _ -e / \/ ",/ ·c ,~ 400 ------""------p------/ \ -,. 0 ___L.. -.--- ....~ ------

200

100j------

o .

NM ~ ~ ec m 0 NM ec ~ ;;; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ s ~ ec ee m g m m m m m ~ ~ ~ ~ m ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ e ~ e e

Fig. 63. Effort in the private boat mode by residence.

900,------,

" 600 se, • ~ 500 ------"\ .._-_.- • 15 -+--Inland ----Ocean >3 ~· 400 ------~" ,: ~o .... 300

200 --_.------. -----_._------\. \... /...... --- ...... 100 ..-...---..- ..'------:::::--~-...... - - - -- 7 ----~-"i ...... ------.._,,---.

'0- -,( "'g - --11-

o +-. ----<--..;_-+---;--_-+-_-+ __ -+-_..;_-t__ __ +- __ 1966 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Fig. 64. Effort in the private boat mode by fishing zone. 65

Table 8. Private boat catch (in numbers of fish). Source: NMFS MRFSS.

Group/species Retained Released Inland 0-3 mi. > 3 mi. oceanic pelagics Dolphin 423 0 0 0 423 Reef Fish Black sea bass 116,413 373,654 47,431 255,762 186,875 Other sea bass 1,397 14,022 3,035 7,799 5,637 Groupers 755 3,019 0 0 3,774 Snappers 5,036 5,818 0 1,157 9,697 Red porgy 1,787 1,127 0 0 2,914 Other porgies 9,858 10,467 952 9,515 4,264 White grunt 3,905 6,005 6,095 2,961 854 Other grunts 0 7,612 0 0 7,612 spottail pinfish 0 9,986 0 0 9,986 Spadefish 31,550 5,624 NR NR NR Amberjacks 388 6,185 0 476 6,097 Coastal pelagics King mackerel 11,359 5,833 2,096 2,781 12,315 Spanish mackerel 43,741 5,358 0 45,443 3,656 Bluefish 40,823 67,825 54,326 50,095 4,227 Crevalle jack 0 4,017 3,726 290 0 Other jacks 0 776 0 776 0 Barracuda 0 12,475 0 0 12,475 Cobia 381 1,920 NR NR NR Little tunny 0 476 0 0 476 Inshore sportfish Red drum 102,634 153,335 198,459 56,796 714 Spotted seatrout 92,159 75,954 135,705 32,407 0 Weakfish 2,018 0 1,155 863 0 Southern flounder 107,025 6,156 46,435 66,745 0 Other flounders 24,013 59,718 34,747 48,983 0 Sheep shead 25,461 6,565 15,332 16,404 290 striped bass 1,044 2,264 2,553 755 0 Inshore bottomfish Kingfish 228,724 75,694 199,239 92,262 12,917 spot 299,981 69,369 191,720 168,708 8,921 Croaker 110,696 75,845 104,646 77,137 4,758 Black drum 40,475 6,316 7,128 39,663 0 Sharks Blacktip 8,749 29,955 NR NR NR Sharpnose 3,980 1,045 NR NR NR Other sharks 28,452 148,763 NR NR NR All 41,181 179,763 138,851 68,342 13,750 66

450,------,---=- --, 400-- ...... L...... ______I n 350 -.. I -It-- \ '0 I '0" ~ I \. I\ .~ 300 '0 r .\----1-.\-- :; I \I\ '0 ~ 250 ... __L ·-t---~ J - -\------. :§ -t-- Red drum e I \I\ --a - S. seatrout ~ 200-L___ -\ ------J - --.-- - . ~-.:....-:.;;.------_ ~ ··A N Flounders ~ I... . \ I \ J4 '0 1.- ... ~ 150._ -.-.-.- - -...... --_ __;______",.__ +__!, _. .__ \ / \ __~ _ ! I '",- '\. I' / \} - ..'\ ... 100..__....o..J ~~,B , '/ 50---rt ...~._.__'A:....-:..._~ ..._ .... _ If.._ _-_._ _.- - _._._ -

o -!-. ~-+-~-;-~-+-~.;--~;---+~-+-~--+-~--+-~-+-~-+-~-+---f---+---I ~ eo o co ec ec 0> 0> '" '"0> 0> 0> 0> 0>

Fig. 65. Private boat landings of inshore sportfish. 67 3,------,

o C, •e ~ 1.5 c, '";;:

0.5 ------_. _

0 N -e ~ ~ ~ N Q N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ N ~ Q ~ ~ ~ ~ .. 0 N 0 ~ Q 0 0 0 e ~ ~ ~

FIg. 66. statewide CPUE for red drum by wave.

5,--- -,

4.5 ---j----fl------·

---I· -- ..-----.---....

3.5

~ 3 ------1------. C, c o ~ 2.5 ------\.----:A---- 11---1" u:::'" 2

1.5

~ ~ ~ N Q ~ ~ ~ N ~ Q ~ ~ N ~ ~ ~ .. ~ ~ N 0 ~ Q 0 0 ~ ~ ~

Fig. 67. Statewide CPUE for spotted seatrout by wave. 68

Red drum CPUEs have tended to be highest during waves 4 (July- August) and 5 (September-October), when yearlings first recruit to the fishery. The 1997 indices during this period were among the highest observed since the SFS began. The percentage of anglers who caught no fish (30%) was the second-lowest since 1990 (compared to 26% in 1996, the year with the best statewide CPUE):

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 statewide CPUE 1.5 1.1 1.2 0.9 1.7 1.9 2.1 1.7 % without fish 47 47 49 55 35 35 26 30

The status of spotted seatrout has been controversial: a poll of stampholders indicated that roughly equal percentages of them believed that there was little change vs a decline during the early 1990's. Computer models based on MRFSS catch data have suggested that the percentage of females surviving to spawn should be increased. The numbers of fish landed by private boat anglers have generally declined, while percentages of fish released have risen markedly, in recent years. The estimated 1997 private boat catch in wave 6 was anomalously low, only 26% of the annual total compared to a ten-year average of 51%. Thus, the below-average annual catch may have been partly attributable to a sampling artifact.

The trend in wave-specific CPUE for spotted seatrout is illustrated in Fig. 67. Most of the directed effort and catch has occurred during waves 5 and 6 with samples predominantly from Charleston County. The 1997 sample sizes then were very limited and mainly from Beaufort County, where CPUE has usually been considerably lower than in Charleston County. This distribution should be considered when evaluating the slightly below average annual statewide CPUE (2.0) indicated for 1997:

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 statewide CPUE 1.4 2.3 2.3 1.9 1.7 2.7 3.0 2.0 % without fish 50 31 43 45 51 38 27 26

During waves 1-3, when the 1997 sample sizes were more adequate, the CPUEs were the highest observed during the last eight years. The percentage of anglers catching no spotted seatrout in 1997 was also the lowest observed to date.

Identification of flounder (two species occur in South Carolina, the summer flounder and the southern flounder) is somewhat problematic, since the identity of released fish cannot be ascertained. If listed as summer flounder, catches were not included in the CPUE calculations. (Released fish were reported simply as flounder and were included: summer flounder have rarely been observed except in Georgetown County and they have comprised only a small part of the verified landings there.) Although polled stampholders generally attributed a declining status to this group, private boat landings have been relatively high in recent years. 69

Directed effort for flounder has been greatest during waves 3 and 4 with Georgetown county generally the source of the largest samples. In 1997, the wave 4 sample size was quite small and the largest sample was obtained in Beaufort County. The 1997 CPUE during the peak fishing period (wave 3) was the highest observed to date (Fig. 68), as was the annual statewide CPUE:

1990 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 statewide CPUE 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.5 1.6 % without fish 57 31 58 45 46 33 29

Data were unavailable for 1991. The 1997 percentage of anglers catching no flounder was relatively low and CPUE in both Charleston and Georgetown Counties was the highest observed to date.

Sheepshead have not been as extensively targeted as the other species with comparatively small sample sizes until fairly recently. Data for years prior to 1993 are therefore unreliable. Most of the angler interest has occurred in the first half of the year, although CPUEs often have been higher later on (Fig. 69). Most of the samples have come from Charleston County, where CPUE has typically been the highest. The 1997 fishery appeared to be fairly typical with a relatively low percentage of anglers failing to catch any fish:

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 statewide CPUE 2.6 1.5 2.7 2.9 2.3 % without fish 29 38 34 25 19 SHORE-BASED FISHERY

Distribution of effort by residence classification and wave was as follows: Wave Residence 2 3 4 5 6 Coastal 31,707 91,578 95,248 55,170 33,065 Noncoastal 6,620 33,180 37,522 17,122 7,495 Out of state 18,467 123,431 135,656 39,951 13,667 Total 56,794 248,190 268,426 112,243 54,226

The ten permitted piers reported a total of 216,147 angler-trips with increased attendance, compared to that in 1996, during every quarter except the fall.

Catch statistics are listed in Table 9. Inshore bottomfish, primarily spot and kingfishes, were the most popular targets of shore-based anglers, especially those fishing from the ocean piers. Catches of both have been highly variable, as is typical for short-lived species. 70 2,--- _

1.6 ----- _-_ _------__._-_ .._._------_.- _ .._- ._--_ .._ -_.

1.4 ---- ._._. - ...-._--_.-._~

4; 1.2 e. •c ...... _------_ ..._. .c, __ --_.__ --- --_ --_. _ i:i:" 0.8

0.6

0.4 --- ..._. --.-----1-----·_------

0.2 i--~------_ 1------

0 N ~ ~ M ~ N ~ M N ~ ~ ~ ~ M ~ N ~ ~ :! :! :! 0 :! ~ sM ~ ~ e ~ ~

Fig. 68. statewide CPUE for flounder by wave.

12,------;

10 ---.-.---_ ------_._._--

8 ._------_ ...

2 · n -;1------...._.._--_._-.-.-

0

M N M N ~ ~ ~ -e- ~ ~ N M N M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ N M ~ ~ ~ ~ :! :! M ~ ~ m ~ m m~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ g:

Fig. 69. statewide CPUE for sheepshead by wave. 71

Table 9. Shore-based catch (in numbers of fish). Source: NMFS MRFSS.

Group/species Retained Released Inland 0-3 mi. Reef fish Black sea bass 1,884 26,701 7,249 21,337 Other sea bass a 74,324 7,963 66,361 Groupers 1,327 a a 1,327 Spottail pinfish a 62,056 a 62,056 Spadefish 6,132 29,814 a 35,946 Amberjack a 476 476 a Coastal pelagics King mackerel 7,963 11,415 11,415 7,963 Spanish mackerel 31,593 45,949 a 77,542 Bluefish 38,753 119,974 6,376 152,351 Crevalle jack a 1,443 1,443 a Inshore sportfish Red drum 8,167 4,042 2,886 9,323 Spotted seatrout 6,878 4,933 697 11,114 Weakfish a 2,886 2,886 a Southern flounder 3,130 a 476 2,654 Other flounders 8,697 25,807 3,362 31,141 Sheepshead 1,443 7,216 1,443 7,216 Striped bass a 6,636 a 6,636 Inshore bottomfish Kingfish 281,649 264,268 62,610 483,307 spot 374,828 172,186 48,108 498,905 Croaker 5,687 59,845 37,395 28,137 Black drum 2,151 a a 2,151 Pompano 13,721 15,756 a 29,478 Sharks All 9,007 149,116 19,625 138,499

• 72

There are several anomalies in the shore catch data. The most significant is the indicated catch for king mackerel. Although kings are taken from some of the ocean piers, it is highly unlikely that the retained catch was comparable to the charter boat landings (as reported to the MRD). Even more unlikely is the larger number of fish released, particularly from inland piers, where this species is virtually never seen. Since released fish could not be verified, this certainly reflects sampling error.

The other obvious errors are less significant. striped bass rarely leave the rivers in South Carolina and were highly unlikely to have been taken from the ocean piers; again, the unverified (released) status seems to have been responsible for the error. Weakfish are commonly caught (and retained) on the ocean piers, although no such catch there was reported. The majority of the spottail pinfish reported were probably simply pinfish (Lagodon).

LENGTH COMPOSITION

The MRD has monitored the length composition of landings of popular inshore sportfish for over a decade. The vast majority of fish sampled have been landed by private boat anglers, who have accounted for most of the estimated landings of each species. Data have been obtained during both the MRFSS and SFS, although the 1997 figures shown are from the SFS only.

The length distribution of red drum from 1997 catches is shown in Fig. 70. Most of the fish were between the 14 in (36 em) minimum size limit and 20 in (51 cm) , The average size of retained fish in the 14-27 in range has remained rather consistent:

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Annual mean TL(cm) 46.3 43.6 43.2 46.2 43.5 45.7 45.1 43.1

The average size by area in 1997 was typical in that the fish were considerably smaller in Beaufort county (Fig. 71). The average size of legal fish in Beaufort County was 38.5 cm, unusually low. Mean lengths in Charleston (47.8 em) and Georgetown (45.6 em) Counties were in the intermediate part of their historical range. Anglers interviewed during the SFS reported releasing 24% of their total catch as legal-sized fish. The overall release rate (for all modes) reported in the MRFSS was 58%.

Length distribution of spotted seatrout is shown in Fig. 72. As usual, only a small portion (6.2%) exceeded 18 in. (45 cm). A much larger than usual percentage (56% vs a 1990-1996 average of 13%) of the 1997 sample was from waves 1-3, when the fish average about 2 cm larger than those caught later in the year. Beaufort County fish dominated the fall samples. The size in Beaufort County was unusually small (Fig. 73), while that elsewhere was a little above the average of recent years. The statewide annual average was typical: 73

70.,.------,

60 +-----f:il------j

50 +----jfl--~f------j

~ 040 +----!lHH·!J.·--il~!f------'0 ;; D § 30 tffJH~l-I!il-i!l-m-Ia_------_"._------i z

~ ~t 20 +£iI--l1'1-

~ 10 +l11-1!1!-I!IH1,l-l!l-I!l-I!Hl'Hif---I~I_IHHHa__l&HI!I_---_Bl_------l

o ~~' .EI..,.IJI..;.l' ~;.Ii4l'~i W"-tJ'L-llll..t~:~I"'-t-E~l..;-ill-' ~;-lli4-m m",-;-,,' . 4J'L"';J'l.;-'"''''-tE' "'4J'L~~-+"'-i

Total length in em

Fig. 70. statewide length distribution of red drum.

30

25 ,

20

Q.• E • '0 15 I~BFT.CHSfCOL .1 C• 0."• 10

5

r i r o .. Jr II I 1.1 •---I -

Total length In em

Fig. 71. Length distribution of red drum by county. 74

60 ,.-- ~--- __,

50 h ill

~ :i /;f ;t 40 :~E ~ill '.:§; }~4 21- e f, • ~ l; d J~ • ss , '0" 1:: , ~ 30 1 ~ ill ~> ~1-- ~ 1-' c " ~ ,E !m -~ i Z ~ 'G;: 1~" ~i if' } ! ~ i 20 ;f! I- PI-- "0 fu f~ , " " ~ '!J 4' :1' r %1 "";~ k , ,f '§\ -~ j, ~ cO' ss " 'I " @ fA ~ 10 ~I-- X' w :< , ~ ~ -j.'" t; f: !Ii W 'W e llf ill f,; Yo ," 1 Iii@! e· f~ eJ~ r~ B Ii!!, . ~}I B ts a h ~;., •I ,> 0 N M M g ;; ~ ~ ~ ee 0 M M •M M M M -e- V M M :l: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 • • • • • • • • ~ ;; Total length in em

Fig. 72. Statewide length distribution of spotted seatrout.

20

18

16

14

-[ 12 E • Q 10 ~ I~BFT.CHS/COL ,I ~ if. 8 .

6

4 :'-

2

N ~ I e • I· .r I II I. Total length in em

Fig. 73. Length distribution of spotted seatrout by county. 75

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Annual mean TL(cm) 37.1 35.5 37.2 36.8 36.9 36.1 38.6 37.6 About 13% of the statewide catch of legal-sized fish (i.e., those 12 in, 30 cm, or larger) were <13 in or 33 cm. In Beaufort County, 25% of the legal catch was <13 in or 33 cm, while in Charleston County only 5% were in this category. The overall release rate (all modes) in the MRFSS was 44%.

The statewide length distribution of southern flounder is illustrated in Fig. 74. Small fish dominated the Beaufort county landings (Fig. 75). The statewide mean length was within the range observed in recent years.

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Annual mean TL(cm) 37.1 35.4 38.6 37.1 36.9 39.3 38.5 36.9 The overall release rate (for all modes) in the MRFSS was 39%.

Length distribution of sheepshead is shown in Fig. 76. Fish observed in Beaufort county were rather spread out over a wide size range, while those seen in Charleston county landings were concentrated in the middle of the normal observed distribution (Fig. 77). The statewide average size was about 13 in or 33.1'cm. The overall release rate (all modes) reported in the MRFSS was 32%. 76

35 ,------

30 +------

'I- ~

1>11- ,r- ~ itt' F \Ii ~ fjr- " '" ~< '" '

epgth distribution of southern flounder. Fig. 74. Statewide :L

20

18 ,. ~ I--

14 ~ V- I-- - i 12 DBFT E I-- r-- .CHS/COL • /' '0 10 CGTN - f- - I- il- "~ c, 8 r-- f- f- I-- ;~ il- .1- if- 6f- r-- r--- f- f-=- 4 t---- r--- I-=- f- It

21-- - . r < r I R. m Fl ~ 0 ~ ~ 0 M M M ~ 0 N ~ M IR M M M M :;: JrI, ::; ~ ~ ~ ~ -e ~ !; g 0 ;; N , M '" Total length in em

~ibution of southern flounder by county. Fig. 75. Length dist 77

60 .------.-----=:=-r;r------,

50

• '0 +------ttH'l-jj!I--1ITHil------l

s: c• '0 ~.30 ,E z

20

{ "- "" £ • , :1 ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 N ~ ;; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Total length in em

Fig. 76. statewide length distribution of sheepshead.

20

18

16

"

i 12 E • 0 10 C I~BFTIICHSICOLcI e• Co• 8

6 l-

• t- f--- 1-;- I-- 1-1-

2 l- I-- I-- l- I- i- II b iJl ~ 0 D n 11rl.r.. • Dr.. .• c .: • Total length In em

Fig. 77. Length distribution of sheepshead by county.